Alarm in Vorarlberg: Obrist Engineering employee with PFAS!

Alarm in Vorarlberg: Obrist Engineering employee with PFAS!

Vorarlberg, Österreich - An alarming report by the Vorarlberg company Obrist Engineering recently pointed out the questionable values ​​of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) in the blood samples of its employees. All 100 percent of the tested rehearsals showed these harmful chemicals, which suggests a serious health risk. The tests were carried out on the company's own initiative, not on behalf of public institutions. In addition to the blood tests, various everyday products such as mineral water, baby food, beer and wine were tested on Pfas residues. 15 out of 19 samples exceeded the limit values ​​defined by the EU, while only four samples from particularly deep sources remained unobtrusive, as Vol.at reports.

Obrist Engineering, known for the development of PFAS-free refrigerants, calls on the authorities to actively act against the contamination of everyday products. An inquiry to the state of Vorarlberg regarding the evaluation of the results and possible measures is currently pending. Pfas are characterized by their extreme longevity and have the ability to enrich yourself in the human body.

Pfas also in drinking water: a nationwide problem

Another worrying topic is the Pfas, which are proven in drinking water samples. Investigations by the federal government show that PFAs were detected in nine out of ten management water in Germany, including in the place of residents of German European politicians. Trifluoro vinegar acid, one of the most frequently found PFAS chemicals, was demonstrated in mineral waters such as Sprequell and Gerolsteiner. These results illustrate the widespread contamination and the challenges in front of which drinking water preparation faces. While the legal limit values ​​for drinking water have been observed, there are still concerns about the health effects, since some population groups are already above critical value, such as BUND.NET reported.

The health risks of PFAS

PFAS are not only a problem in food and water, but also indispensable in medical technology and yet dangerous. These chemicals are particularly resistant to heat, water and fat, which justifies their use in various everyday products. However, they accumulate in the human body and are suspected of causing various health damage, including cancer and immune defense weakness. Studies show that PFAS can be transferred to the child during pregnancy, which further increases the health risks. The discussion about its regulation is conducted at the EU level, with a PVH-Gemschaft submitting a far-reaching proposal to restore PFAS, such as bio-pro.de reported.

The discussion is complex, especially since the medical technology industry demands an exception to fluoropolymers that are considered necessary in industry. The challenges in regulation illustrate the different interests between health protection and the need for certain chemical substances in modern technology. The call to reduce the PFAS pollution in the environment and in the human body becomes loud and clear, but the implementation of corresponding measures remains a demanding task.