BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the holiday season here,
gift-giving, cookies for Santa, and family gatherings are in full
swing. However, there's one gift no one wants this year: exposure
to PFAS or "forever chemicals." From experience in handling PFAS
exposure cases, Cory Watson Attorneys offers these tips to
celebrate more safely by avoiding exposure.
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic
acid) are part of the chemical family 'PFAS' (per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS make up a large, diverse family
of compounds that have historically been used in manufacturing for
various household items including cookware, cosmetics, and clothing
due to their waterproof and stain resistant qualities as well as
their resistance to extreme temperatures. However, findings in the
early 2000s showed that PFAS can remain in human blood over long
periods, leading to the nickname "forever chemicals."
According to EPA, the presence of PFOA and PFOS in the human
body over time leads to an increased risk of serious health
conditions, including several types of cancer, thyroid disease, and
ulcerative colitis. PFAS exposure has also been linked to low birth
weights, hypertension, and other health conditions.
Avoiding PFAS this Holiday Season
While awareness of PFAS grows, these chemicals can still make
their way into your holiday celebrations. Here are some practical
tips to help you minimize exposure and protect your loved ones over
the coming weeks and in the New Year ahead:
- Opt for PFAS-free cookware
PFAS originated in 1946 when DuPont first began developing
non-stick cookware with Teflon™. As easy as it makes kitchen
clean-up, many experts recommend avoiding using or gifting
non-stick cookware by switching to stainless steel or cast-iron
pots and pans. Wooden or bamboo utensils are another great kitchen
alternative.
- Be wary of waterproof
Ensure gifts for the campers, hikers, and nature
enthusiasts in your life are safe by searching for a
"PFAS-free" label. To repel rain, many waterproof clothing
items and accessories are treated with PFAS, so look
for items made of natural materials as an alternative
- Carefully choose cosmetics
Unfortunately, many of the products directly applied to
skin can contain harmful PFAS. When getting ready for holiday
parties, opt for cosmetic brands committed to clean, chemical-free
formulas, and apply regular mascara instead of waterproof mascara
to limit potential PFAS exposure.
- Bake with caution
Holiday treats and festive meals often come with packaging
designed to handle grease. However, many grease-resistant papers
and containers are treated with PFAS. Consider transferring takeout
or baked goods into your own containers and avoid reheating food in
its original packaging. When baking, opt for unbleached parchment
paper or reusable silicone mats instead of non-stick
alternatives.
Cory Watson Attorneys encourages individuals and businesses to
stay informed about PFAS risks and advocate for cleaner, safer
alternatives. If you've been harmed by PFAS or other toxic
chemicals, contact Cory Watson today
to discuss your case with experienced environmental personal injury
lawyers at https://www.corywatson.com/.
About Cory Watson Attorneys:
Cory Watson Attorneys is a nationally recognized personal injury
law firm with offices in Birmingham,
Alabama; Memphis, and
Nashville, Tennessee. The firm has
recovered more than 4 Billion for clients across the country.
Cory Watson attorneys are frequently
at the forefront of major class actions and multidistrict
litigations involving dangerous pharmaceuticals and product
liability, and are often appointed to leadership positions in
national cases. Firm practice areas include Personal Injury,
Product Liability, Class Action, Asbestos, Business &
Commercial Litigation, Dangerous Pharmaceuticals, Defective Medical
Devices, and Environmental/Toxic Torts.
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