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PFAs - Coggle Diagram
PFAs
Sources of PFAs
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Main source of PFA exposure is through consumption-- more minor impact is through inhalation or physical (skin) contact
Soil Contamination
from factories, farms, and waste disposal plants
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What ARE PFAs?
Class of chemicals! Known better as "poly" or "per" fluoroalkanes, meaning they are carbon compounds that contain fluorine bonds
Manufactured safely during the Manhattan Project as one of the products useful for creating the bomb
3M/DuPont poached some of the responsible scientists post-war to see if there would be any uses on an industrial/consumer scale
Incredibly useful and versatile-- properties include water, oil, dirt resistance, as well as having a strong bond interaction between fluorine & carbon (meaning long-lasting, durable)
Health Impacts
Human Impacts
Fetal Impacts
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higher chance of lower birth weight, size
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Adults
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Women
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if pregnant, increased blood pressure
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PFAs "bioaccumulate"-- meaning they increase in quantities in all living beings over time. Half life is important, as it indicates that it can last in the body for several years before becoming half of its original amount
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Uses of PFAs
INDUSTRIAL
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Automotive
low friction bearings, seals
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CONSUMER
furniture, rug, carpet treatments that waterproof, prevent oil staining, or prevent collection of dirt
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Action
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MORE TO DO
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reducing personal consumption of PFAs (using more reusable, sustainable products)
becoming more acquainted with local connections to PFAs-- plants, water sources (and rights!), who funds local legislators