Elevated Levels of Forever Chemicals Detected in My Blood – What Are My Options?

As I entered the healthcare facility for my blood analysis, my main concern was appearing brave on camera rather than considering the potential outcomes of the test.

I typically struggle with needles, but for an investigation into so-called forever chemicals, I was being assessed to determine the concentration of these substances in my blood. As a mother of two young kids, I was also keen to find out if these chemicals affected my family’s health.

Known as PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), forever chemicals encompass around 10,000 different varieties. These substances have been in use for many years across a wide range of products, from waterproof apparel to cooking utensils, electronic devices, and medical supplies.

PFAS are categorized as persistent pollutants, indicating they do not easily decompose and accumulate in the environment instead. They can be found in our households, drinking water, and food.

Some studies have associated certain PFAS with severe health risks, including infertility and cancer.

According to Dr. Sabine Donnai, a preventive healthcare expert, any PFAS concentration exceeding 2ng (nanograms) per milliliter of blood poses health hazards. She noted that she had never encountered anyone devoid of at least trace levels of PFAS in their system.

My test results showed a level of 9.8ng per milliliter.

Dr. Donnai shared the findings gently, but the impact was nonetheless significant.

She informed me that the PFAS present in my bloodstream would “most likely” affect my health negatively.

Moreover, I found out that during my pregnancies, my body would have eliminated some of these chemicals by passing them to my children.

That revelation transformed this investigation from a mere task into a deeply personal matter.

Dr. Donnai indicated that “Your PFAS levels would have been even higher prior to your pregnancies. It’s certain that your children received some of these chemicals.”

I felt concern but also frustration about how I could have been unaware of this issue and had so little influence over it.

I sought to understand more about these chemicals and the health complications they are associated with. Stephanie Metzger from the Royal Society of Chemistry explained that PFAS “do not break down.”

“Once inside our bodies, they accumulate gradually, eventually disrupting our bodily systems,” she said.

“Certain PFAS have been linked to thyroid dysfunctions, while others are associated with kidney and liver cancers, as well as issues relating to fertility.”

Regarding my situation, Dr. Donnai stated that it is “unlikely” I could entirely eliminate these chemicals from my system.

However, she assured me that I could lower my levels over the next few years by employing specific strategies. She recommended that I boost my fiber consumption through foods like oats, barley, beans, nuts, and seeds, or by taking fiber supplements. Increased fiber intake is supported by the best evidence available as potentially beneficial,” she explained.

If I followed these guidelines, she added, my menstrual cycles could also aid in decreasing my existing PFAS levels over time.

I was advised to target the primary sources of exposure within my home by replacing non-stick cookware with options made from ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron, utilizing a water filter, and adopting eco-friendly cleaning supplies labeled as PFAS-free.

She emphasized the importance of searching for PFAS-free cosmetics and hair products while steering clear of any ingredients containing “fluoro” or “PTFE” in their names.

Similar information was provided to expectant mother Pam Kavanagh, whom we visited in her Berkshire home alongside Dr. Federica Amati from Imperial College London.

Pam was eager to learn how she could mitigate potential PFAS risks within her household for her baby, as Dr. Amati has research experience pertaining to the impacts of forever chemicals on infants and children.

“When we consume tap water, we may be subjected to varying levels of PFAS, depending on one’s location,” Dr. Amati noted.

She mentioned that simply acquiring a water filter can significantly reduce exposure, whether it is a pitcher filter or one integrated into the sink’s plumbing.

Additionally, Dr. Amati advised discarding any scratched non-stick frying pans, stating that stainless steel or ceramic alternatives are considerably safer.

She also pointed out that carpets may be treated with PFAS to enhance their stain resistance and suggested that individuals vacuum their carpets daily.

“Opening windows daily to ventilate rooms is beneficial, as house dust can accumulate here,” she added.

Dr. Amati then discussed children’s clothing with Pam, who was left “speechless” to learn that water-resistant or stain-repellent clothing often contains PFAS. Manufacturers are not mandated to disclose this information.

Our investigations revealed that certain children’s items were incorrectly labeled as PFAS-free, as indicated by recent findings.

We tested a children’s coat purchased from a retail website, which was claimed to be free from forever chemicals. However, it turned out that the jacket belonged to a small batch produced over three years prior, according to the company.

The coat, although meeting UK safety requirements, has now been removed from the market.

The company stated that they are striving to eliminate PFAS from all their products promptly and noted that any children’s clothing produced since 2023 is free of these chemicals.

Professor Stuart Harrad from the University of Birmingham explained that if fabrics containing PFAS make prolonged contact with skin, there exists a risk of these chemicals being absorbed. To mitigate this possibility, it’s recommended to choose untreated fabrics and avoid labels claiming to be waterproof or stain-resistant unless officially certified as PFAS-free.

Research indicates that our primary exposure to forever chemicals is through food—especially fish, meat, eggs, fruits, and related products, based on findings from the European Food Safety Authority.

I discovered that even an unsuspecting strawberry could contain PFAS because these chemicals are sometimes incorporated into pesticides to enhance adhesion to fruits, ensuring they don’t wash off during rain, as explained by Professor David Megson of Manchester Metropolitan University.

Among the picnic items we inspected, a bottle of wine was identified as having the highest potential PFAS risk, according to Professor Megson.

“Each bottle of wine is made from hundreds of grapes. As pesticides degrade, the PFAS remains,” he shared.

Given the extent to which PFAS are integrated into modern society, it seems impossible to avoid them entirely. While these chemicals have added convenience and durability to our products, we are only beginning to understand the potential costs involved.

The European Commission is considering a complete ban on around 10,000 different PFAS chemicals, while the UK government is evaluating measures to prohibit or limit certain substances but has yet to confirm a comprehensive ban. They have expressed their commitment to working expeditiously with regulators to assess PFAS levels in the environment, their sources, and possible risks to help guide their policy and regulatory strategies.

The Chemical Industries Association argues that PFAS have many critical applications, and suitable alternatives have yet to be fully developed. They contend that cooperation between regulators and industry is essential in establishing transition timelines for bringing alternatives to market.

Initially, I viewed the blood tests as merely a compelling scene for our documentary. However, once you become aware of these chemicals residing within you, that knowledge becomes inescapable.

Formulating a plan to reduce my exposure offers some reassurance, but to be candid, it also adds another layer of concern.

Stay informed with our primary newsletter containing all the key news you need to kickstart your day.

Subscribe here.