PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Anyone who wears glasses knows the frustration of a face mask fogging up their vision. However, newly released research says anti-fogging sprays and wipes may not be a wise option.
Dr. Nicholas Herkert, research project manager at the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, and his team tested nine of the most popular anti-fogging sprays and cloths sold on Amazon. They found that they all contained high levels of the dangerous chemicals known as PFAS.
Also called forever chemicals, PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) never break down. Some have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease and fertility complications, even though they are commonly used in products like nonstick cookware and water-resistant clothing.
Related
“I wasn’t terribly surprised to find PFAS in [anti-fogging products] because of the nature of the product,” said Herkert. “In hindsight, it makes sense that there’s PFAS in them.”
However, Herkert said he was “extremely alarmed” at the high levels of PFAS found in the products. Tests showed the sprays contained up to 20.7 milligrams of PFAS per milliliter of solution.
“To put it into perspective, if someone were to use these spray products, let’s assume 1% of the PFAS that was in the product when they used it entered their body. That would be a 10 to 500 times larger dose than consuming PFAS in one liter of water at the PFAS health advisory limit,” he explained.
Herkert suggests avoiding the products and getting better-fitting masks to keep your glasses clear.
