THE TOPLINE

• PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals,” are used in many everyday products, and have contaminated our air, water, soil, and food. They’re linked to severe health issues, including cancer, birth defects, liver disease, and kidney disease.
• Studies show that combined PFAS exposure is even more harmful, especially to brain and gut health, than exposure to individual chemicals, underscoring the need for regulatory agencies to consider cumulative effects.
• Current regulatory approaches are ineffective, focusing on individual PFAS compounds rather than the entire class. ANH-USA advocates for a complete ban on all PFAS to protect public health and the environment.

PFAS compounds, a class of approximately 16,000 chemicals, are used in a wide variety of products for their water- and stain-resistant properties, showing up in everything from waterproof clothing to cookware, baby products, and even cosmetics. These chemicals have now permeated our air, water, soil, and food. With links to severe health issues, including cancer, birth defects, liver disease, and more, our daily exposure to PFAS is deeply concerning—yet government agencies like the FDA and EPA are sleepwalking their way through this catastrophe.

Two is More Toxic Than One

A recently published study has shown the compounded dangers of exposure to multiple PFAS. Researchers found that when PFAS are combined—which reflects real-life exposures—the negative effects on brain health are significantly more than the same dose of any single PFAS on its own, particularly for young children. What’s really concerning is the long-term consequences as exposures build up, particularly for developing brains in environments with high PFAS exposure. This research underscores the need for regulatory agencies to consider the combined effects of multiple PFAS chemicals, rather than looking at each one in isolation…which is exactly what the EPA is doing, as it moves the goal posts on the definition of PFAS to benefit industry.

Gut Health and Kidney Disease

In addition to concerns about brain health, another new study links PFAS exposure in young adults to compromised gut health, which may contribute to kidney disease—a life-threatening condition. Changes in gut bacteria and metabolites, caused by PFAS exposure, could drive a 50% decrease in kidney function over four years. These findings indicate that PFAS exposure is implicated the rising cases of chronic kidney disease and diabetes in the U.S.

PFAS in Our Water Cycle

Another recent alarming discovery is the presence of PFAS in rainwater. Studies have shown that PFAS can hitch a ride on the water cycle, circulating over great distances and contaminating environments far from their point of origin. It’s no wonder that these chemicals are contaminating even the most remote places on the globe.

The Need for a Comprehensive Ban on PFAS

Despite overwhelming evidence of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, current regulatory efforts fall woefully short. The EPA’s strategy of addressing one PFAS chemical at a time is ineffective, as the industry often moves on to alternative PFAS compounds not yet regulated. This piecemeal approach allows these toxic substances to remain in circulation, risking further contamination and long-term health impacts.

ANH-USA has, for years now, called for a bold and unified response—a comprehensive ban on PFAS chemicals as a class. Protecting our health, our children’s health, and the environment depends on decisive action to stop PFAS contamination at its source. Half-measures are no longer enough. Together, we must advocate for the health of future generations by pushing for meaningful change.

Action Alert! Write to Congress and the EPA, urging them to ban PFAS as a class to protect public health. Please send your message immediately.