SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — With Earth Day approaching, “forever chemicals” were a topic of discussion at Geisinger College of Health Sciences, as the community gathered to learn more about their impact on our health.
Experts say exposure to these chemicals can come from everyday products and even the food we eat.
Everyday chemicals found in products we use and in materials like plastics can affect our health at any time, from early development through adulthood.
Staff Scientist at Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Dr. Carolyn McCabe, broke down how these exposures impact health over time.
“A lot of the work that is done with these chemicals looks at sensitive developmental windows. And so, when we talk about that we really mean during pregnancy, or during the prenatal period prior to pregnancy, early childhood. Also, sort of as we age and we grow, it might have an impact on the types of things that we experience as we get older,” said McCabe.
Another key topic tonight was PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals.” Dr. McCabe explained what they are, where they’re found, and highlighted an ongoing study in central Pennsylvania looking at their presence in drinking water.
She also said PFAS can be found in everything from cookware and food packaging to a wide range of household products.
“PFAs are a very large group of chemicals that are colloquially known as forever chemicals. And so, we call them that because they have chemical bonds that make them very hard to or break down within our bodies, but also in the environment, and certainly we may have heard a lot about these in the news. And there’s a particularly relevant, community issue happening down in central Pennsylvania,” said McCabe.
“But we care about these chemicals because they are in a lot of products like nonstick and flame resistant and grease resistant products. And, they can also have some pretty significant negative health effects on our bodies,” said McCabe.
While “forever chemicals” are linked to health risks like immune issues, cancer, and developmental delays, Dr. McCabe said there are steps and safer alternatives that can help reduce exposure.
“These types of conversations can be really overwhelming when you look at the things that we’re exposed to and the types of things that they’re in. It’s pretty obvious that they’re in almost everything. And really that idea of small changes make a big impact. One example would be change the deodorant that you use or, choose when you’re buying new Tupperware, take it one glass instead of plastic, or don’t heat your lunch up in a plastic container. Those small changes can really add up,” said McCabe.
Health experts also say a healthy diet and physical activity can help reduce chemical exposure.