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Participation Discussion 14

Participation Discussion 14

Q PFAS This week, I'd like you to learn about a class of compounds that is used throughout various industries including textiles and food service. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have varied carbon backbone lengths, but all are very resistant to decomposition in the environent. An article just recently appeared in Chemical & Engineering News discussing PFAS in food service. Discussion Prompts Read the article "Paper Food Packaging After PFAS " then address the following prompts. 1. Use the internet to find some non-food related applications of PFAS and any environmental or health concerns around PFAS. 2. Find a golden line from the article, "Paper Food Packaging After PFAS." Why did this quote stand out to you? 3. How do you feel about the removal of PFAS from food related products? How do you feel about not knowing what is being used as a substitute? 4. Engage in a meaningful discussion with at least two classmates.

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PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and have been used since the 1940’s.PFAS have been employed in a number of industry branches, such as aerospace, mining, nuclear industry, building and construction, wood industry or even oil and gas industry, to name a few. Some non-food related applications of PFAS are stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, and fire-fighting foams. Several studies made in the ‘70s have reported detections of the PFAS in the blood of general populations and in the ‘90s it was discovered that the people exposed to PFAS at workplace presented traces of these materials in their blood and in serum.