A new Swedish study reveals that the concentration of harmful chemical compounds of the PFAS type in rain has passed the point of no return. We will probably have to work hard so that the concept of "blessing rains" does not become a painful chapter in history lessons
A new Swedish study may change our perspective on the blessing rains that we look forward to every winter: the researchers found that the amount of PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals that may harm our health, found in the various sediments - has passed the point of no return. "It is almost impossible to do anything to remove PFAS from our lives completely," testifies Prof. Ian Cousins from the Department of Environmental Sciences at Stockholm University, one of the leaders of the study. "Our basic environmental sources - drinking water, surface water and soils - suffer from irreversible pollution."
Do you have chemical cream?
The research focused on PFAS compounds (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or in the Hebrew oil: parafluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl), a group of synthetic chemicals, which are produced by humans for diverse uses, and are therefore found in many products such as phones, coating for pots, travel clothes, cosmetics and more.
"The unique structure of these chemicals includes a chemical bond between carbon, fluorine and acid," explains Dr. Adi Radian, a faculty member in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Technion. "This means that these chemicals have three properties at the same time: they are very strong and do not break down naturally in the environment ; Almost no other substance, such as water for example, can stick to them, so they are water-repellent and fire-retardant, and at the same time - they move easily in water sources."
The PFAS compounds are so persistent that they cannot be neutralized: these substances, which are found in many products that we consume on a daily basis, find their way to soils, are washed away by rain or through rivers and streams, and reach the oceans; Due to the fact that they do not break down, the PFAS go back up into the atmosphere, by evaporating for example, and back to the earth through rainwater. In addition, sometimes the production process of various products that include the chemicals itself causes their release into the atmosphere, and from there they come back to us. This is how the endless cycle is created, which leaves us with "Forever Chemicals".
In the new study, the researchers were based on analyzing data from many previous studies, in which rain and ice deposits, soils and surface water (fresh water from sources found on the surface, such as lakes and streams) were collected and tested, among other things by using funnels and collecting with test tubes. In these studies, the PFAS chemicals were analyzed with a unique device, and the preservation of the samples was done extremely carefully, so that they would not be contaminated. What did the researchers discover from the data analysis? It can be said that the conclusions of the study attack the nickname "eternal chemicals".
Chemicals forever
In the new study, it was found that the concentrations of the PFAS chemicals measured in the rainwater and in the soil exceed recommendations and/or environmental thresholds of the EPA (American Environmental Agency), the European Union and the governments of Denmark and the Netherlands. In fact, the researchers claim that we have crossed a new "planetary boundary" (an assessment of the safe space for humanity in various environmental areas, the crossing of which may be dangerous for the human species), and that we have reached a point of no return in terms of the concentration of these substances in our soils and rainwater: these chemicals have become "global" - They were found almost everywhere in the world.
This situation is problematic for all of us because, beyond the heavy pollution, the PFAS may harm our health: among other things, a possible connection has been identified between exposure to high concentrations of these substances and various types of cancer, infertility, fetal harm, obesity and more. According to Radian, almost all of us have a certain amount of these chemicals in our bloodstream, which over time accumulate, due to their being almost indestructible. According to her, the fact that there is a danger in high exposure to these substances has been known for several decades, but over time the degree of their danger becomes more and more clear - and the recommendation becomes stricter accordingly.
Indeed, in recent years the maximum PFAS concentration that is allowed for exposure according to the EPA is decreasing, And last June The recommendations have become particularly strict: for example, up to 4 picograms (which is one trillionth of a gram) per liter for one type of PFAS - like two drops of water out of the billion drops in the half-liter bottle you take with you to work. Moreover, almost all these materials already prohibited for use in many countries in the world.
At the same time, it is important to clarify that exposure to these substances does not necessarily cause illness. "The real and immediate danger of getting sick due to exposure to PFAS exists mainly in exposure to a high concentration of these chemicals, which exceeds the recommendations of the EPA," Cousins emphasizes. "This means that the mere fact that the recommendations of the American Environmental Agency have been exceeded does not necessarily mean that there is an immediate danger. However, it does indicate the extent of the distribution of the substances in question."
PFAS Israeli
So what is the situation with us? Survey of the Water Authority indicates that PFAS contamination was found in 16 percent of the water wells tested; After the survey was conducted and in light of the findings, one of the Israeli wells was even completely closed.
According to Radian, the regulation in Israel is less strict than the EPA's recommendations - but still comparatively very strict, and adopts the Canadian standards. In addition, according to her, we have a distinct advantage in neutralizing substances from drinking water: with the help of our desalination facilities, which remove a large part of the chemicals from the water, our small country has a good ability compared to other places - to ensure that the water that reaches our taps is relatively clean.
Additionally, there are many ways we can protect ourselves. First, there are chemical options for breaking down these chemicals, as shown among others From a study in which Radian participated. Second, as shown in the Water Authority's report, the Ministry of Health and the Authority are promoting regulation that limits the use of these compounds.
In addition to methods "from above", we as citizens also have something to do. "We can move to smarter consumption," Cousins testifies. "Since these chemicals tend to accumulate mainly in meat and fish, vegetarians are probably less exposed to them."
In addition, according to him, "it is important to develop ways, such as labeling products, that will allow us as consumers to know which products contain these chemicals. That way we can choose to reduce their use." And of course, we can choose who will make environmental decisions for us, as Radian says: "We as citizens in a democratic country can choose parties that promise to act on the environmental level, and fight the polluting factories," she concludes.
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