Your Gear is Poisoning You! (Not Clickbait)

Summary

This video investigates the pervasive issue of PFAS, or forever chemicals, found in everyday items like Gore-Tex jackets. The host conducts tests on various water sources, revealing alarming levels of these toxic substances, including in remote streams and tap water. Despite claims from manufacturers about PFAS-free products, contamination remains a serious concern due to the widespread use of these chemicals in the outdoor industry. The video calls for increased awareness and legislative action to mitigate the environmental impact of PFAS, urging viewers to advocate for safer, sustainable outdoor gear.

Takeaways

• 😀 PFAS, known as forever chemicals, are highly persistent in the environment and linked to serious health issues.
• 😀 The EPA has determined there is no acceptable level of PFAS in drinking water.
• 😀 Outdoor brands, including Gore-Tex, use PFAS in their products, raising concerns about environmental contamination.
• 😀 A homemade rain chamber test indicated that a Gore-Tex jacket shed PFAS chemicals into distilled water.
• 😀 Water samples collected from various sources showed detectable levels of PFAS, with tap water being the most contaminated.
• 😀 PFBA was found in a high alpine stream, suggesting even remote areas can be affected by PFAS contamination.
• 😀 Regulations and industry changes are beginning to address the use of PFAS, with companies like REI phasing out such products.
• 😀 Consumer awareness and advocacy are essential in pushing brands to adopt PFAS-free alternatives.
• 😀 The persistence of PFAS in the environment poses long-term risks, emphasizing the need for further research and regulation.
• 😀 Personal health can be affected by PFAS exposure, as demonstrated by the speaker's blood test results showing elevated levels.

Q & A

What are 'forever chemicals' and why are they concerning?

Forever chemicals, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are man-made compounds that do not break down easily in the environment. They are concerning due to their persistence, potential to accumulate in the human body, and links to various health issues, including cancer and liver damage.

What did the EPA determine about PFAS in drinking water?

The EPA has determined that there is no acceptable level of PFAS in drinking water, highlighting the severe health risks associated with these chemicals.

What specific tests did the creator conduct to check for PFAS contamination?

The creator tested their blood, home tap water, ocean water, a major reservoir, and a remote mountain stream for PFAS contamination.

What were the findings from the tap water and reservoir tests?

The tap water contained 5 parts per trillion of PFOA and 3.1 parts per trillion of PFOS, while the reservoir showed 1.3 parts per trillion of both PFOA and PFOS.

What results did the creator find after testing the new Gore-Tex jacket?

After testing the new Gore-Tex jacket, the water sample revealed the presence of five different PFAS chemicals, including 65 parts per trillion of PFOA and 21 parts per trillion of PFBA, indicating that the jacket was shedding these toxic chemicals.

How is PFBA related to environmental contamination?

PFBA is concerning because it is not regulated by the EPA, yet studies indicate it may cause health issues such as thyroid and liver problems. It is also one of the most likely PFAS chemicals to be found in remote locations due to its ability to evaporate and be deposited with snow.

What impact does outdoor gear containing PFAS have on natural water sources?

Outdoor gear treated with PFAS can contribute to the contamination of natural water sources, as these chemicals can shed into the environment, particularly when exposed to water.

What measures are being taken by states and companies regarding PFAS?

States like California and New York have passed legislation restricting PFAS in clothing. Additionally, REI has announced it will no longer sell products containing PFAS, putting pressure on outdoor brands, including Gore-Tex, to seek alternatives.

What steps can consumers take to address the issue of PFAS in outdoor gear?

Consumers can advocate for PFAS-free gear by writing to brands, supporting PFAS awareness charities, and sharing information to raise awareness about the harmful effects of these chemicals.

What was the creator's blood test result for PFAS, and how does it compare to the national average?

The creator's blood test showed about 1,000 parts per trillion of PFOA, which is below the national average of less than 4,000 parts per trillion, suggesting they are within a relatively lower range of PFAS exposure.