Cancel the trip to the beach because this is one heck of a wet blanket. I grew up near the beach and spent a lot of time playing in the sand and skipping rocks across the water. Now, we all have to decide between letting our children play in the surf and their long term health.
PFAS in Sea Spray
This study meticulously measured PFAS levels released from the bubbles bursting with the impact of crashing waves. These bursts propel aerosols into the air, unleashing a cascade of contamination. Shockingly, the study found that the levels of PFAS in sea spray soared hundreds of thousands of times higher than those detected in the surrounding water.
Lead researcher Ian Cousins, of Stockholm University, says this spray permeates various environmental realms near coastlines, including groundwater, surface water, vegetation, and agricultural produce. What's concerning is that these coastal areas often lie far removed from industrial hubs, suggesting a more pervasive reach of PFAS contamination. Once again, it's worse than we had thought and in places we had never
The Menace of "Forever Chemicals"
PFAS, shorthand for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, comprise a class of over 15,000 chemicals wielded across diverse industries to confer water, stain, and heat resistance to products. However, their efficacy comes with a hefty price tag. These compounds, ominously dubbed "forever chemicals," exhibit a stubborn persistence in the environment, eluding natural degradation mechanisms. Linked to a litany of grave health maladies, including cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, and liver problems, PFAS pose a menacing threat to both ecosystems and human well-being.
Silent Contamination
A few years back, researchers at Stockholm University unveiled the disquieting reality of PFAS emissions emanating from ocean waves. These chemicals hitch a ride into the atmosphere, traversing thousands of kilometers before resettling on land. The latest endeavor expanded upon this revelation, scrutinizing PFAS levels in sea spray across a swath of ocean territory stretching from Southampton in the UK to Chile.
Human Exposure
Despite these alarming findings, the extent of human exposure is uncertain. While inhalation poses a significant risk, the precise quantity of PFAS breathed in, and the dispersion of air concentrations away from the crashing waves remains unknown. Previous non-peer-reviewed research hinted at a correlation between elevated PFAS levels in vegetation and proximity to the ocean, prompting ongoing investigations by Cousins and his team.
A Perpetual Cycle of Contamination
This revelation underscores the profound resilience of PFAS, serving as potent contaminants that congeal on water surfaces. Far from dissipating into oblivion, these chemicals embark on a ceaseless cycle, oscillating between ocean and atmosphere, with repercussions echoing far into the future.
In essence, the ocean, once seen as a bastion of purity, now stands as an unwitting accomplice in the dissemination of PFAS pollution. As waves crash upon distant shores, they carry with them not just the promise of renewal but also contamination, a sobering reminder of humanity's struggle against "forever chemicals."
Originally published in science.org. HERE
What can you do about it? The bad news is that there are no clear steps forward. The cheapest solutions involve boiling drinking water, as we wrote last week, and taking steps to avoid exposure. If you feel a little more proactive, contact your local government and sign the local petitions in your area. The Good News: More and more people are invested in taking action to protect themselves and their families from PFAS chemicals. Whether it's harvesting your own water with the Air Fountain to healing yourself with crystal energies, we have collected some of the best products to help heal and protect your family from the horrors of PFAS chemicals. So take a look at the shop or click on some of the pictures on this page which lead to some of our partners. If you do, it would really help us out as
that's how we keep the lights on around here.
