Boycott ‘Forever Chemicals’ (to help clean rivers)
‘Forever chemicals’ are everywhere these days, and not only stick around in our bodies for years, but also pollute rivers, and can harm birds, native wildlife and marine creatures. They often come from factories that release waste into rivers, and are also linked to cancer, thyroid issues, low birth weight, weak immune systems and cholesterol changes. Pregnant women are particularly at risk.
PFAS are now absolutely everywhere
The small Yorkshire market town of Bentham was recently found to have the highest concentration of forever chemicals, due to being near a factory that has produced fire-fighting foams since the 1970s.
They have even been found in the Brazilian rainforest, showing that they are travelling at an alarming rate. Sea spray has also caused them to travel as far as Antarctica.
The EU is considering restricting some, but vested interests from industry is hugely delaying things. The Rivers Trust want a complete ban on nearly all of them, with much stricter regulations on those that remain (like fire-fighting foams).
How forever chemicals end up in rivers
PFA stands for per and polyfluoralkyl substances, basically they are manmade chemicals that don’t break down in heat, sun or with normal bacteria, like most substances.
They mostly end up in our water due to industrial discharge and leaks, where they enter through drains, watercourses and sludge. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to fully remove PFAS, so heavy rain in particular makes things worse.
Lots of modern items contain them, usually anything that is ‘non-stick’ or ‘stainproof’ (like school uniforms with Teflon coating). Even some ’24-hour waterproof make-up’ contains them.
Take the PFA-free bead test
PFAs Free has a Bead Test that you can do yourself, to see if the packaging you bought contains forever chemicals (if so, then don’t buy again and write to companies, explaining why).
Use a pencil to dip into an eggcup with a little olive oil, then drop a few drops of oil onto the packaging. If the oil soaks through or spreads, there is no PFAs. If the oil remains on top ‘beading’, then it has forever chemicals. Use their email template to write the company concerned.
How to prevent using forever chemicals
It’s almost impossible, but we can all do our bit to help:
Choose non-toxic cookware (ask your council about disposal of old ones at hazardous waste). Even if companies say the opposite, all cooking fumes are dangerous near birds. Most caged birds are likely happier in outdoor aviaries anyway, where they can fly and enjoy company of other birds.
- Choose fresh food (without packaging) – pizza boxes and greaseproof takeaway boxes often contain them.
- Skip stain-proofing sprays for shoes and sofas (there are water-based alternatives around these days)
- Pick untreated fabrics for school uniforms and outdoor clothing (esp. raincoats)
- If You Care offers parchment paper and sandwich bags free from PFAs.
- Green Oil is a brand of bike care products free from PFAs.
Eco-friendly fire extinguishers?
Some fire-fighting foams use PFAs to smother flames. Obviously putting out fires is important, but at present chemicals soak to the ground and into rivers. And pose a risk to heroic firefighters (cancer is a leading cause of death).
Greenfire Firefighting Foam is the world’s first PFAS-free alternative which can be used with the same equipment and is trusted by many fire departments, and used in the US. It requires approval for use in fixed systems and is suitable for fire engines, foam tenders, compressed air foam systems and fire sprinklers.
Campaign to ban PFAs in rivers
- Write to your local council and MP, asking for local river and water testing).
- Volunteer to help clean up local rivers.
- Ask supermarkets and takeaway chains to offer PFAS-free options.
Here’s a message you can copy and adjust:
Hello, I’m a local resident. Please confirm whether our local rivers and drinking water are tested for PFAS, how often tests happen, and where results are published. I’d also like to know what steps you’re taking to reduce PFAS entering waterways, including controls on industrial discharges and waste handling. Thank you.
