What are PFAS, and are These ‘Forever Chemicals’ in RetroFoam?

By: Eric Garcia on September 4th, 2024

When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, foam insulation is often a top choice.

But recently, a buzzword has been making its rounds on the internet and in the news—PFAS. If you’re asking what are PFAS and do I need to worry about PFAS in my insulation, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll explore PFAS, where they’re commonly found, their potential dangers, and, most importantly, whether they are a concern for RetroFoam insulation.

Let’s jump right into it.

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which is quite a mouthful.

Essentially, PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of industries around the world since the 1940s. They are commonly added to materials to make them more durable, water-resistant, or non-stick, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

These chemicals are often found in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and even some firefighting foams. They’re incredibly effective at what they do, which is why they’ve been so widely used.

However, with that effectiveness comes a downside – PFAS are notoriously persistent in the environment and the human body, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

What are PFAS Chemicals

It’s important to know that PFAS are not just one chemical but a large group of related compounds.

The two most studied and well-known PFAS chemicals are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. These chemicals were used extensively in the past but have since been phased out in many countries due to their potential health risks.

PFAS chemicals are characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. This makes them incredibly resistant to breaking down, whether in the environment or within living organisms. While this durability is what makes them useful in various applications, it’s also what makes them problematic.

What are PFAS Used For?

PFAS have a wide range of applications, primarily due to their ability to repel water, grease, and stains.

Here are some of the most common uses of PFAS.

Non-Stick Cookware

PFAS, particularly PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), is used to coat non-stick cookware.

This is what gives your frying pan that slippery surface, allowing you to cook with less oil and making cleanup a breeze.

Water-Repellent Fabrics

Outdoor gear, like rain jackets, often contains PFAS to make them water-resistant.

This keeps you dry by preventing water from soaking into the fabric.

Stain-Resistant Carpets and Upholstery

Many stain-resistant treatments for carpets and upholstery contain PFAS.

These chemicals help prevent spills from soaking into the fibers, making cleanup easier.

Food Packaging

PFAS are also used in some food packaging materials, such as microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, to prevent grease from soaking through.

Firefighting Foam

PFAS are used in certain types of firefighting foams, particularly those used to combat oil and gasoline fires.

These foams are highly effective but have raised concerns due to their persistence in the environment.

What are PFAS Found In?

Given their widespread use, it’s not surprising that PFAS can be found in a variety of products and places.

Here are some of the most common sources of PFAS exposure.

Drinking Water

One of the most concerning sources of PFAS exposure is contaminated drinking water.

PFAS can seep into groundwater from industrial sites, military bases, and landfills where products containing these chemicals were used or disposed of.

Household Products

As mentioned earlier, PFAS can be found in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and some food packaging materials.

These everyday items can release small amounts of PFAS into the air or food.

Soil and Waterways

PFAS can also be found in the soil and waterways near industrial sites, airports, and military bases where firefighting foams containing these chemicals were used.

These chemicals can persist in the environment for years if not decades.

Food

Certain foods, particularly those packaged in materials containing PFAS, can be a source of exposure.

Additionally, fish from contaminated waterways can accumulate PFAS in their tissues.

What are the Dangers of PFAS?

The very qualities that make PFAS so useful – their durability and resistance to breaking down – also make them potentially harmful.

Because they don’t easily degrade, PFAS can accumulate in the environment and in the human body over time.

Here are some of the primary concerns associated with PFAS.

Environmental Persistence

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they can remain in the environment for an extremely long time.

They don’t break down easily, which means they can accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, leading to long-term environmental contamination.

Bioaccumulation

PFAS can build up in the tissues of animals and humans over time.

This process, known as bioaccumulation, means that even small exposures can accumulate to significant levels over years or decades.

Health Risks

There is growing evidence that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects.

Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including:

Cancer: Some studies have found an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer in people exposed to high levels of PFAS.

Hormonal Disruption: PFAS can interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to issues like thyroid disease.

Immune System Effects: PFAS exposure has been associated with a weakened immune response, which can make the body less able to fight off infections.

Developmental Issues: Pregnant women and young children may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of PFAS, which can interfere with development.

Regulatory Concerns

Due to these potential risks, there has been increasing regulatory scrutiny of PFAS.

Many countries have restricted or banned the use of certain PFAS chemicals, and efforts are underway to better understand and manage the risks associated with these substances.

Does RetroFoam Contain PFAS

Given the widespread concern about PFAS, it’s understandable that homeowners would want to know whether their insulation contains these chemicals.

The good news is that RetroFoam does not contain PFAS.

RetroFoam insulation is made from a non-toxic, non-flammable material that is free from harmful chemicals like PFAS. This makes it a safe and effective choice for insulating your home without the worry of exposing your family to these “forever chemicals.”

The confusion may arise because insulation is often associated with plastics and other chemical-based materials. However, it’s important to note that not all plastics contain PFAS, and RetroFoam is one of those products that is free from these substances.

Why the Concern About PFAS in Insulation?

The concern about PFAS in building materials like insulation likely stems from the broader awareness of the dangers of these chemicals.

As more information becomes available about the persistence and potential health risks of PFAS, consumers are becoming more cautious about the products they bring into their homes.

This caution is a good thing. It’s important to be informed and make choices that protect your health and the environment. However, it’s also important to have accurate information. When it comes to RetroFoam insulation, you can rest assured that it does not contain PFAS and is a safe choice for your home.

Keeping Your Home Safe

PFAS are a group of chemicals that have been widely used for decades due to their durability and resistance to water, grease, and stains.

However, their persistence in the environment and the human body has raised concerns about their potential health risks. As a result, consumers are increasingly aware of PFAS and are seeking out products that do not contain these “forever chemicals.”

If you’re considering foam insulation for your home, it’s natural to wonder about the presence of PFAS. Fortunately, RetroFoam is a safe and effective choice for improving your home’s energy efficiency without the worry of harmful chemical exposure.

As always, staying informed and making choices that are right for you and your family is important. If you have more questions about insulation or other building materials, be sure to check out our Learning Center for more articles, videos, and expert advice.

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About Eric Garcia

Eric brings his knowledge and training in building science, training in spray and injection foams from the manufacturers, more than eight years installing foam insulation, as well as selling and managing in the foam insulation industry. He is also BPI and Dale Carnegie certified and has taken several building science courses, including air sealing and building envelope. Eric is the Professor of Foam on our educational YouTube series Foam University. Even when Eric is off he is usually still “working” or thinking about work, but when he can get away he enjoys camping, hiking, hunting, and woodworking.