In the journey from wardrobe to waste, textiles play a pivotal yet often overlooked role in the proliferation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals renowned for resisting heat, water, and oil, has permeated numerous facets of modern life. From waterproof jackets to stain-resistant carpets, these chemicals offer convenience but have a hidden cost to human health and the environment.
The Rise of PFAS in Textiles
The integration of PFAS into textiles revolutionized the industry. Manufacturers embraced these compounds for their ability to impart desirable properties such as water repellency, stain resistance, and durability.
Fabrics treated with PFAS became staples in outdoor gear, upholstery, carpets, and even everyday clothing. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, PFAS are used in textile treatments at 0.05-0.5% of the textile weight. This is what makes the textiles water-repellent.
However, the synthetic marvel of PFAS comes with a sinister side. The durability that makes PFAS desirable in textiles also makes them persistent pollutants. Once released into the environment, PFAS linger for decades, resisting degradation and accumulating in soil, water, and living organisms.
The Textile Life Cycle
The journey of PFAS-laden textiles begins long before they reach store shelves. During manufacturing, fabrics undergo treatments with PFAS-based chemicals to confer desired properties. These treatments ensure that your rain jacket repels water, your sofa withstands spills, and your carpet remains stain-free.
As consumers bring these textiles into their homes, everyday wear and tear gradually releases PFAS into the environment. Whether through washing, friction, or exposure to sunlight, PFAS particles detach from textiles, finding their way into waterways and soil.
The Environmental Working Group states that humans face PFAS through skin contact, indoor air, and house dust. Apart from water, food, and breast milk, textiles are now another category from which you are exposed to PFAS. Water-resistant and stain-resistant products contain fluorine above 100 parts per million or ppm. The presence of fluorine indicates the presence of PFAS.
Besides textiles, there are many other sources through which you can contact PFAS. For instance, PFAS is used in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). PFAS can create a layer that prevents oxygen from reaching the fire, thereby extinguishing it. However, firefighters exposed to PFAS-based AFFF foam are at a higher risk of several health conditions.
According to TorHoerman Law, exposed individuals can develop various forms of cancer. Some of these cancers include kidney, testicular, pancreatic, bladder, prostate, etc. In fact, many firefighters and military personnel who developed any such condition due to AFFF exposure have filed lawsuits against manufacturers.
Through an AFFF lawsuit, plaintiffs allege that manufacturers knew about the potential health problems. However, they neglected users’ health to make money by selling their products. Hence, the plaintiffs ask for compensation for the health problems and other damages they have faced.
The Landfill Endgame
As stated above, textiles can have PFAS that can enter your body in different ways. However, the story doesn’t end there. When textiles reach the end of their lifespan, they often meet their fate in landfills. Here, PFAS continue their journey, leaching from decomposing fabrics into the surrounding environment.
Landfill liners, designed to contain hazardous substances, struggle to contain the relentless spread of PFAS. This allows these chemicals to infiltrate groundwater and nearby ecosystems.
Moreover, the incineration of textiles presents another avenue for PFAS release. As fabrics burn, PFAS compounds vaporize into the air, contributing to atmospheric pollution and exposing communities to potential health risks.
Many studies have already established the release of PFAS from landfills. As mentioned by the Environmental Protection Agency, multiple studies have revealed that 84% of PFAS annually reaches municipal solid waste landfills. Of these, 5% leaves as gases and 11% leaches out.
The Human Toll
The implications of PFAS contamination extend to human health as well. As PFAS migrate through soil and groundwater, they find their way into drinking water supplies, exposing communities to potential harm. Chronic exposure to PFAS has been associated with a myriad of health concerns, including increased risk of cancer, impaired immune function, and hormonal disruption.
Moreover, vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and young children face heightened risks from PFAS exposure. Emerging research suggests that prenatal exposure to PFAS may contribute to developmental delays, low birth weight, and other adverse birth outcomes.
The human toll of PFAS contamination extends beyond physical health effects. Individuals and communities affected by PFAS face a range of challenges, including economic burdens, psychological distress, and social disruption. Contaminated water sources can render entire communities reliant on bottled water, placing strain on limited resources and exacerbating inequalities. Property values may decline in areas with known PFAS contamination, causing financial hardship for homeowners and local businesses.
Unraveling the Environmental Impact
The consequences of PFAS contamination extend far beyond the confines of landfills. These persistent chemicals permeate soil and water, threatening ecosystems and wildlife. E&E News highlights one of these incidents by mentioning a recent study. The study reveals that PFAS has been detected across 83% of waterways across the country.
Studies have linked PFAS exposure to adverse effects in aquatic organisms, including reproductive disorders, developmental abnormalities, and compromised immune function. When humans consume aquatic organisms, the PFAS can enter their bodies as well.
Furthermore, the bioaccumulative nature of PFAS compounds magnifies their impact on the food chain. From fish to mammals, organisms accumulate PFAS in their tissues over time, magnifying the concentration of these chemicals with each trophic level.
Navigating Toward Solutions
Addressing the pervasive threat of PFAS requires a multifaceted approach encompassing policy, industry reform, and consumer awareness. Regulatory agencies must enact stringent measures to restrict the use of PFAS in textiles and other consumer products.
Industry stakeholders are pivotal in driving innovation and phasing out PFAS from manufacturing processes. Manufacturers can develop sustainable alternatives that deliver performance without compromising safety by investing in research and development.
At the consumer level, awareness and advocacy are critical drivers of change. Consumers can make informed purchasing decisions and support brands committed to sustainability and transparency. With such actions, consumers can catalyze demand for PFAS-free products and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
To sum up, the journey from textiles to landfills unveils a sobering reality about PFAS contamination. The convenience and comfort afforded by PFAS-laden textiles come at a profound cost to human health and the environment. Yet, amidst the challenges lie opportunities for transformation and renewal.
Down the Rabbit Hole: Mapping PFAS Pathways from Textiles to Landfills