Guwahati: PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly resistant to degradation, making them persistent in the environment and the human body.
These substances, which encompass over 9,000 compounds, are valued for their thermostability and water- and grease-repellent properties, but their widespread use has raised serious environmental and health concerns.
Recent studies by researchers from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, have revealed PFAS contamination in Assam’s groundwater and tea bag samples. Groundwater contamination was detected in Kamrup district, while tea bag samples with PFAS were sourced from local markets and Indian e-commerce platforms. The findings were published in the Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts journal and Food Control journal, respectively.
The groundwater study, conducted between December 2021 and February 2022, analyzed 65 samples from rural and metropolitan areas of Kamrup. It identified 12 PFAS compounds, including PFHxA (perfluorohexanoic acid), PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid), and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate).
Concentrations varied significantly between rural and urban areas, with higher contamination levels in Kamrup Metro, likely due to industrial and urban activities.
PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonate) emerged as the most prevalent and toxic compound, posing severe health risks, particularly to children. The study highlighted threats such as kidney toxicity, immune suppression, and disruptions in lipid metabolism, with advanced metabolomic analysis showing interference in protein synthesis and potential long-term health impacts.
Another study by NIPER-Guwahati focused on PFAS contamination in tea bags, a cornerstone of Assam’s tea-loving culture. Of the 108 tea bag samples analyzed, 90% contained detectable levels of PFAS, including PFOS, PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate), and PFuNA (perfluorononanoic acid). PFAS concentrations ranged up to 109.02 ng/g in tea bag powders and 657.52 ng/g in the bag materials.
Regular tea consumption—estimated at two tea bags per day—was calculated to contribute up to 1.40 ng/kg/day of PFAS exposure for women and 1.19 ng/kg/day for men. While immediate health risks were deemed low, the cumulative effects of long-term exposure remain a significant concern. The contamination likely stems from both tea cultivation in PFAS-contaminated soil and the use of PFAS-containing materials in tea bag production.
These findings underscore the pervasive nature of PFAS contamination, infiltrating essential resources from groundwater to widely consumed products like tea. Although individual exposure levels from tea bags or groundwater may appear low, the combined effects of multiple sources over time could have serious health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Researchers have called for urgent interventions to address the growing PFAS crisis in Assam. Regular testing of groundwater and consumer products is essential to track Forever Chemicals’ levels and assess the risks.
Stricter regulations on the use and release of PFAS in industrial processes, agriculture, and packaging materials are crucial to mitigate contamination. Public awareness campaigns should inform residents about PFAS risks and promote safe consumption practices. Additionally, there is a need to develop PFAS-free materials for packaging and adopt advanced water filtration systems to reduce contamination.
With Assam’s groundwater and tea serving as lifelines for millions, tackling PFAS contamination is not just an environmental challenge but a critical public health imperative.
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