PFAS in Everyday Items Tied to Higher Type 2 Diabetes Risk
A new study from Mount Sinai reveals that PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” found in items like non-stick cookware, food packaging, and waterproof clothing, may increase your type 2 diabetes risk by up to 31%.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used to make products resist heat, water, and stains. Because they don’t break down, PFAS build up in our bodies and the environment. Studies show nearly 98% of people in the US have them in their blood.
Researchers discovered that PFAS can disrupt how the body regulates blood sugar, possibly leading to diabetes. These findings add to increasing concerns about PFAS and other health issues, including cancer, liver disease, and immune problems.
But how
do PFAS affect blood sugar?
PFAS may interfere with amino acid biosynthesis and drug metabolism, both critical to how the body regulates blood sugar. This means that the risk factors for type 2 diabetes now include not just genetics and lifestyle, but also environmental exposures such as household chemical contaminants.
How Can You Reduce PFAS Exposure?
- Use stainless steel or cast iron cookware
- Limit takeout in grease-resistant packaging
- Avoid stain-resistant or waterproof coatings on furniture and clothing
- Choose PFAS-free cosmetics
Growing evidence connects forever chemicals in household products to long-term health risks, including type 2 diabetes. By making informed choices, you can safeguard your well-being and reduce the impact of environmental chemical exposures.
Stay informed with PFAS Pulse for the latest developments on PFAS regulations and safer alternatives.
Puraffinity partners with the U.S. Army ERDC to evaluate Puratech G400, an advanced adsorbent for PFAS removal, through lab and field trials comparing its performance and cost-effectiveness to existing PFAS treatment technologies
An exclusive panel featuring Puraffinity CEO Vincent Caillaud, who will join industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge solutions for combatting PFAS, “forever chemicals”, in drinking water. With PFAS contamination presenting urgent health challenges due to their extreme persistence, mobility, and health impacts at trace levels, this session will spotlight the realities of PFAS in water supplies, the latest science driving regulatory change, and the next generation of removal technologies.
WEFTEC 2025 is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition, held September 27–October 1, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. It gathers over 20,000 water professionals from 100+ countries to explore cutting-edge water technologies, attend technical sessions and workshops, and network with sector leaders. The event features a massive exhibition of advanced solutions, educational opportunities, and speciality pavilions focused on topics like sustainability and digital innovation. Our CEO, Vincent Caillaud , and CCO, Neal Megonnell , will be in attendance.
In the Building World-Class Teams webinar series, Henrik Hagemann and Jessica Middlesmiss will be discussing how to Create Cultures that Scale
Neal Megonnell brings over three decades of experience in various leadership, technology and sales roles in the carbon industry to his new position at Puraffinity. His extensive background and expertise in the water treatment sector and the specific technologies for removing contaminants make him an invaluable addition to the company's executive team. In his role as CCO, Neal will be responsible for driving Puraffinity's commercial strategy, expanding market presence, and accelerating growth in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS removal technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome Neal to our team," said Vincent Caillaud, CEO of Puraffinity. "His impressive track record in the industry, coupled with his deep understanding of PFAS-related challenges, aligns perfectly with our mission. His background in R&D, with multiple published papers and two patents related to activated carbon, will be instrumental in driving our commercial success and furthering our goal of providing innovative PFAS removal solutions." Neal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces. This strong academic foundation, combined with his extensive industry experience, positions him well to lead Puraffinity's commercial efforts in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Neal's expertise is extensively demonstrated through his strategic involvement in various professional committees, including Chair of the American Water Works Association Standards on Activated Carbon Committee, the ASTM D28 Activated Carbon Committee, and serving as Chairman of the Standards for Activated Carbon. "I am thrilled to join Puraffinity at this exciting time," said Neal Megonnell. "The company's commitment to developing sustainable adsorbent materials for PFAS removal aligns with my passion for innovative water treatment solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Puraffinity to expand our market reach and deliver cutting-edge technologies to communities and industries worldwide."