Fact Check: Pfas are found in the blood of nearly every person on Earth.

Fact Check: "PFAS are found in the blood of nearly every person on Earth."

What We Know

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industries and consumer products for decades. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), human exposure to PFAS is widespread, with studies indicating that PFAS have been detected in the blood of approximately 97% of Americans (NIEHS). The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) corroborates this, stating that nearly all individuals in the U.S. have PFAS in their blood, based on data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) since 1999 (ATSDR).

The presence of PFAS in human blood is attributed to various exposure routes, including contaminated drinking water, food, and consumer products. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time (NIEHS). While the levels of some specific PFAS, such as PFOS and PFOA, have decreased in recent years due to regulatory actions, new PFAS compounds continue to emerge, complicating the assessment of overall exposure (ATSDR).

Analysis

The claim that PFAS are found in the blood of nearly every person on Earth is supported by substantial evidence, particularly in the context of the U.S. population. The NIEHS and ATSDR reports provide strong data indicating that a significant majority of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. However, the assertion lacks specificity regarding global prevalence. While studies indicate widespread exposure in the U.S., data on PFAS presence in blood samples from other countries may not be as comprehensive or readily available.

Moreover, the term "nearly every person on Earth" implies a universal presence, which may not accurately reflect the variability in exposure levels based on geography, occupation, and local environmental conditions (NIEHS). For instance, populations in areas with known industrial contamination may exhibit higher PFAS blood levels compared to those in less affected regions. Additionally, the ongoing emergence of new PFAS compounds poses challenges in tracking and assessing overall exposure globally (NIEHS).

The reliability of the sources cited is high, as they are produced by reputable health organizations and government agencies. However, the potential for bias exists in the interpretation of data, particularly if the focus is primarily on U.S. populations without considering international contexts.

Conclusion

The claim that "PFAS are found in the blood of nearly every person on Earth" is Partially True. While it is well-supported that a significant majority of the U.S. population has PFAS in their blood, the assertion does not account for the variability in exposure and detection rates globally. Therefore, while the evidence strongly supports widespread exposure, it does not conclusively establish that PFAS are present in the blood of nearly every individual worldwide.

Sources

1. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
2. Fast Facts: PFAS in the U.S. Population | PFAS and Your Health | ATSDR
3. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in circulation in a ...
4. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
5. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - National Institute of ...
6. 'Forever Chemicals' Are Everywhere. Most of Their Health Effects Are ...
7. New study of PFAS forever chemicals highlights need to ...
8. It's Time to Say Goodbye to "Forever Chemicals"