They say nothing lasts forever… 

But “they” didn’t know about forever chemicals…

So what are these forever chemicals anyways? 

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, PFAS for short, are man-made chemicals that have been around since the 1940s. They get their nickname- forever chemicals- because they don’t break down and build up over time. Unfortunately, we have also known for many years that they have serious implications in our health and well-being. 

Where can PFAS be found?

They are used in many different industries and have been found in:

• Food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that used PFAS, or grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water.
• Commercial household products, including stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products (e.g., Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams. These are also a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs.
• Workplace, including production facilities or industries (e.g., chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery) that use PFAS.
• Drinking water, typically localized and associated with manufacturers, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, or firefighter training facilities. If you want to check the safety of your tap water, click here. 
• Living organisms, including fish, animals and humans, where PFAS have the ability to build up and persist over time. We are not able to metabolize these chemicals. 

Although some PFAS chemicals are no longer manufactured in the United States, they are still produced internationally and can be imported into the United States in consumer goods such as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging, coatings, rubber and plastics.

What are the health implications of PFAS?

Studies indicate that forever chemicals can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney and immune system effects in laboratory animals.

In humans, they have been associated with: 

• Elevated cholesterol levels 
• low infant birth weights,
• effects on the immune system,
• cancer 
• thyroid hormone disruption   

How are we exposed to PFAS?

Through our food & drinking water: 

• Contaminated soil and water used to grow the food,
• Grease resistant food packaging, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags
• Equipment that used PFAS during food processing.
• Check the safety of your drinking water here (link to EWG site) 

Using products containing PFAS:

•  Stain or water repellent clothing, carpets or other products
• Paints, varnishes and sealants
• Cleaning products
• Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
• Cosmetics and personal care products (eye make up, lipsticks, dental floss, shampoo)

Source: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-cosmetics

What can we do?

1. Minimize our exposure and your levels will decrease over time. 

• Switch to cosmetics and personal care products that are tested for safety.
• Use PFAS-free dental floss.
• Opt for low VOC paints and furniture.
• Ditch the non-stick cookware for silicone liners, cast iron or ceramic cookware.
• Filter your water

2. Educate others by sharing this information with them! 

3. Advocate for change. 

• Text "BetterBeauty" to 52886
• Ask your Congress person to support the Congressional PFAS Task force.

We're excitedly surprised that our favorite better beauty brand launched The End of Summer Sale this week giving you the opportunity to try out or gift BeautyCounter for a big discount!

And since I always want to help you save, we are offering own gift of thanks to you! Three deals are good thru Monday 8/16!

BeautyCounter’s 15% off sitewide sale! 

If you are brand new to BeautyCounter use the code “CLEANFORALL20” to save 20% instead! 

Plus, add Band of Beauty perks for another 10% back in credits (total of 25% savings) & the Overnight Resurfacing Peel AND Charcoal Mask FREE! 

Did I mention you will also get FREE shipping on qualifying orders for the ENTIRE year? 

P.S. Band of Beauty is our non-toxic perks program - you aren’t getting roped into some program that is going to automatically charge your card! 

As a special thank you directly from me, I will send you a fun surprise in the mail!! 

Please note, Beautycounter's 15% off sale does not include already bundled discounted sets like Flawless in Five, Get the Look, Skincare Regimens and Collections - but it DOES include all individual products, including Countertime! Valid 8/12-16, supplies are limited and will sell out.

How to shop with me: Purchase with me as your consultant at beautycounter.com/karawada

Resources: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas

Podcast: http://realeverything.com/the-whole-view-episode-464-forever-chemicals-what-are-pfas/