In a revelation that hits close to home for many Americans, a new study has found that exposure to toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” is significantly higher among those living near contaminated superfund sites and in areas with limited access to fresh, healthy foods. The research, conducted in Southern California, sheds light on how the built environment in low-income neighborhoods can present multiple routes for these dangerous compounds to enter the body, raising serious concerns about environmental justice and public health.
The PFAS Problem: A Closer Look
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of roughly 15,000 synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to water, heat, and oil. Dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body, PFAS have been linked to a laundry list of health issues, including:
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Liver problems
- Immune disorders
- Birth defects
Despite growing evidence of their harmful effects, PFAS continue to be widely used in consumer products and industrial processes, leading to widespread contamination of water, soil, and air.
Superfund Sites: Hotspots of Exposure
The USC study found that individuals living within a three-mile radius of a superfund site—a location contaminated with hazardous substances—had up to 107% higher levels of certain PFAS compounds in their blood compared to those living farther away. Some participants resided near former Air Force bases and a metal plating facility, now designated as superfund sites due to PFAS contamination.
We hypothesize that the higher PFAS blood levels around superfund sites and industrial facilities that use the chemicals largely stems from air pollution. PFAS can be volatile, meaning it lifts into the air from a polluted area, or can get on dust, then is breathed in or ingested.
Sherlock Li, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Southern California
Food Deserts: A Recipe for Higher PFAS Levels
The research also revealed that residents of neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food—often referred to as “food deserts”—had 14% higher levels of PFOA and PFOS, two common PFAS compounds, in their blood compared to those living within half a mile of a grocery store. This disparity is thought to stem from the higher prevalence of processed and fast foods in these areas, which are more likely to be packaged in PFAS-containing materials.
Previous research has found processed and fast foods that are more accessible in these neighborhoods generally contain higher levels of PFAS—the chemicals are commonly added to resist moisture and grease in fast food wrappers and carryout containers.
According to the study authors
While the FDA has recently banned the use of PFAS in food packaging produced domestically, the chemicals may still be present in imported wrappers or plastic containers.
A Call for Action and Environmental Justice
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for government action to address the disproportionate burden of PFAS exposure faced by disadvantaged communities. Researchers stress that tackling this issue will require a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Reducing pollution at the source by holding polluters accountable and enforcing stricter regulations on PFAS use and disposal
- Improving access to fresh, unpackaged foods in underserved neighborhoods through initiatives like community gardens and attracting grocery stores
- Investing in water filtration and air purification systems for homes and public spaces in affected areas
- Conducting more research to better understand the full extent of PFAS contamination and its health impacts
As the evidence mounts, it becomes increasingly clear that addressing the PFAS crisis is not just a matter of public health, but one of environmental justice. By shedding light on the insidious ways in which these “forever chemicals” infiltrate the lives of the most vulnerable, studies like this one serve as a powerful call to action—one that we cannot afford to ignore.
