Cancer-Causing PFAS Chemicals Found in Glasses Spray

Does Glasses Spray Contain PFAS?

A recent study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal has found high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in popular anti-fogging glasses sprays. PFAS or “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances” are classified as possible human carcinogens, and studies have linked exposure to them to a higher risk of a wide variety of cancers.

While there are no federal regulations on the amount of PFAS that can be present in consumer products, the high levels that the study found in the anti-fogging glasses sprays has many consumers and regulators concerned about the potential health risk these products and others that contain PFAS may cause.

Anti-fogging Spray Discovery Heavily Affects Healthcare Workers

Another reason that the discovery of high levels of PFAS in the anti-fogging spray is so upsetting to consumers is that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face shields have become an essential piece of equipment for healthcare workers. With face shields being prone to intense fogging, anti-fogging spray has become a key accessory for these workers. This is prompting an outcry from consumers and experts alike.

Heather Stapleton, a professor of environmental chemistry and health at Duke University, said in a statement to The Guardian: “It’s disturbing to think that products people have been using on a daily basis to help keep themselves safe during the Covid pandemic may be exposing them to a different risk.”

And it’s not just healthcare and other essential workers who are affected. More than 6 in 10 people in the U.S. wear glasses or contact lenses, meaning that millions of people could be regularly exposed to the potentially cancer-causing chemicals in anti-fog sprays.

Discovery Comes Soon After PFAS Found in Cosmetics

The discovery of PFAS in these popular anti-fogging sprays is made more concerning due to the discovery of “alarmingly” high levels of PFAS in popular cosmetics products earlier last year.

Not only did some of the makeup products tested show PFAS levels so high that they “had to be intentionally added,” but 88% of the makeup products that were tested did not disclose in their ingredients list any substances that would explain the high levels of PFAS.

This lack of a direct ingredient disclosure is highly concerning to researchers and regulators alike, leaving many questions unanswered as to how these chemicals are making their way into the products.

Studies Prompt Potential Regulatory Action

Due to the concerns voiced by environmental experts in the makeup studies, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the PFAS Action Act, which seeks to set a federal standard for the acceptable levels of PFAS in drinking water as well as asks the EPA to classify PFAS as “hazardous substances.”

The bill passed in the House and is now on its way to the Senate, and the new discovery of high PFAS levels in popular anti-fogging sprays will likely continue to put pressure on legislators to pass new regulations.

Risks of PFAS Exposure

Recent studies have linked PFAS exposure with a large range of potential negative health effects. These include:

• Cancer
• Liver damage
• Fertility issues
• Asthma
• Thyroid disease

Research is still ongoing to determine what levels of PFAS exposure may be tied to these adverse health effects, but most researchers agree that these substances may pose significant health risks to humans.

PFAS Lawsuits

Due to these findings, a growing number of PFAS lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers who produce products with high levels of PFAS. Many people who have been exposed to PFAS at work or via popular consumer products are seeking accountability from manufacturers for the adverse health effects they now suffer that they believe are linked to PFAS exposure.

Many property owners have also been exposed to PFAS through groundwater contamination. Firefighters using AFFF “firefighting foam” spray may also be entitled to compensation in an AFFF cancer lawsuit.

The expert legal team at Riddle & Brantley is actively investigating cases involving PFAS contamination, including firefighting foam, groundwater contamination, and now these recent discoveries in cosmetics and anti-fogging spray.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to PFAS chemicals due to runoff, certain consumer products, or AFFF firefighting foam, you may be entitled to compensation in a PFAS lawsuit, and we would love to help however we can. Please call 1-800-525-7111 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced PFAS lawsuit attorney today. There are no upfront costs and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.

Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s see how we can help.