Exploring PFAS with youth
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EmailWhat can you do about per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS)?
The Michigan State University Extension 4-H science team has collaborated with researchers to develop a series of lessons designed for older youth and adults; Exploring PFAS with Youth. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances, is not like marine debris where individuals can activate groups to make change. Care should be taken when using these resources, as the level of uncertainty and inability of the average person to directly impact PFAS could lead to increased anxiety in youth.
About PFAS
PFAS are a group of chemicals used in nonstick, waterproof and stain resistant materials. They are also used in some firefighting foams. PFAS were developed in the 1930’s and became more widely used during the cultural era of “Better living through chemistry”. Over time, we have realized that some of these chemicals can be dangerous for humans, animals and the environment. There are thousands of different PFAS molecules, and not all of them act the same. Some have been researched more than others.
Some of the properties of PFAS include:
- A carbon-fluorine bond. These bonds are short and difficult to break as part of natural processes. This can be beneficial, because it makes products long-lasting. This can also be problematic because PFAS chemicals stay a long time in the environment and are difficult to remove.
- Being both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling).
- PFAS is good at waterproofing and stain resistance, because it can repel both water-based and oil-based substances.
- It can also attract water and move through the environment, as well as plant and animal tissues. It can move anywhere that water can move.
- PFAS can “grab on” to hormones within plants and animals and interfere with those processes.
Balancing anxiety
There are a variety of negative impacts, many not fully understood, from most types of PFAS molecules. These negative impacts are likely to cause anxiety in youth as they participate in this series. With this in mind, the design team intentionally included lessons, “What is safe?” and “What is too risky?”, designed to help balance anxiety in youth.
About the lessons
Each lesson is designed around a question, with activities designed to help youth explore and discover answers to the question. Each lesson and the slide deck also include a lot of information about PFAS compounds. However, it is not intended for these activities to become a lecture to students. Please use the background to help guide students as they explore PFAS.
Lessons in the series are:
- What is too risky?
- What is safe?
- What are PFAS?
- Where are PFAS?
- Why are PFAS dangerous?
- What is too risky? Revisited
- Hormones and PFAS - Optional support for why are PFAS dangerous?
- What can I do about PFAS?
There is still much to discover
The Exploring PFAS with Youth series started in November 2023 and is one way to invite middle and high school youth into conversations about PFAS and to increase our understanding together. With thousands of PFAS molecules, and more being created, there is still much to discover and we learn more about PFAS as research continues. We recommend you periodically check the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team website or the United States Environmental Protection Agency PFAS website.
