PFAS: "Simple actions" can help "reduce personal exposure"

“ Very persistent" , these " numerous chemical substances "—including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, for which There is solid health evidence "of health effects - are omnipresent in the environment, food and everyday products, indicates the Directorate General of Health in a form.

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All exposeds

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If " the entire population is exposed » to this vast family of pollutantsSome may be overexposed: workers in industries manufacturing PFAS or handling products containing them, residents of areas of more pronounced contamination“Several factors, including the level of exposure, can indeed greatly affect the health risk.” Inviting healthcare professionals to be more vigilant with these groups, as well as with pregnant or breastfeeding women and infants, who are particularly vulnerable, the Ministry of Health recommends that "reduce (one's) personal exposure through a few simple actions"“.

Food, everyday objects, routines

The ministry therefore recommends, in documents aimed at the general public Also broadcast on Wednesday, the advice was to vary one's diet – by eating seasonal, organic if possible, and home-cooked meals – and to preferably drink tap water, which is subject to testing. "In case of non-compliance", "usage restrictions may be put in place". At home, it is advisable to limit the use of water and grease resistant packaging, and to avoid non-stick pans, kettles and plastic containers. "especially worn out", to favour glass, stainless steel and cast iron, and not to heat food in plastic. It is also advisable to ventilate rooms for ten minutes a day, to do damp washing of floors with simple cleaning products (black soap, vinegar, etc.), to limit the use of treated textiles and stain-resistant or waterproofing products.

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The ministry also encourages limiting the use of water-resistant ("waterproof") or "long-lasting" cosmetics to favour "simple" and "organic" labeled products, clothing made of natural fibers, second-hand or from brands that do not use PFAS. These PFAS, for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, " may have harmful effects on human health : increased cholesterol levels, cancers, effects on fertility and fetal development, etc.", these documents remind us.