PFAS, or forever chemicals, are being detected in drinking water all over the U.S. (nito100, Getty Images)
Residents across the U.S. are on high alert after the Environment Protection Agency announced new limits for the acceptable amount of PFAS in drinking water.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are “forever chemicals” that don’t break down over time.
The new advisories cut the safe level of PFAS in drinking water down to just four “parts per trillion” — compared to its previous 70 parts per trillion.
Subsequently, local officials across the U.S. are addressing the presence of these forever chemicals in their water supply.
So, how did these harmful chemicals get into drinking water, and what can you do to limit your exposure?
PFAS is a term for man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s.
These forever chemicals are in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil.
While producing and using products with PFAS, the chemicals can migrate into the soil, water and air.
Unfortunately, since they don’t break down naturally, they tend to stay in our environment.
In areas with high PFAS exposure in the environment, trace amounts of these substances are in food products, the environment, and even people and animals.
The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that researches toxic chemicals and drinking water pollutants, says 200 million Americans could be drinking PFAS-tainted water and 99 percent of Americans may have some amount of PFAS built up in their bodies.
Cooking in non-stick pans may expose you to PFAS. (Nordroden, Getty Images)
Risks of PFAS Exposure
Trace amounts of PFAS have been linked to numerous health issues.
Philippe Grandjean, a Harvard researcher focusing on the long-term impacts of developmental exposure, says PFAS exposure is associated with kidney and testicular cancer, weakened immunity, endocrine disruption, fertility problems, and decreased birth weight.
People can be exposed to PFAS by:
Working in occupations such as firefighting or chemicals manufacturing and processing.
Drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
Eating certain foods that may contain PFAS, including fish.
Swallowing contaminated soil or dust.
Breathing air containing PFAS.
Using products made with PFAS or packaged in materials containing PFAS, including coating on paper and cardboard wrappers used in fast food and bakery goods furniture and carpets, stain-proof and water-repellent clothes, and personal care and cosmetic products.
The EPA announced a comprehensive strategy in 2021 to limit PFAS exposure. (Skyhobo, Getty Images Signature)
How Are We Combating PFAS in Drinking Water?
New studies, new food packaging, lobbying, and bills aim to limit PFAS exposure.
In October 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency launched the PFAS Roadmap. This comprehensive strategy outlines actions over the next three years, including steps to control PFAS at its sources, hold polluters accountable and address the impacts on communities.
Popcorn bags may contain PFAS. Cook it on the stovetop instead. (Jamesmcq, Getty Images Signature)
How to Limit Your Exposure to PFAS
According to Clean Water Action, you can do a few things in everyday life to limit your exposure to PFAS.
They include:
Not using non-stick cookware
Cooking at lower temperatures if you have to use non-stick pans
Popping your own popcorn rather than microwaving bagged popcorn
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I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of time at my desk and on the computer. And with my work as a writer, the countless e-mails I answer every day, and personal journaling, it feels like I’m always typing. Recently, I’ve started to notice something a bit worrisome: wrist pain. Now I’ve had the occasional wrist pain we all get from time to time, but this felt different, more intense and more consistent. Yikes. Fearing I was well on my way to developing carpal tunnel syndrome (something both my mother and sister struggle with), I knew I had to act fast. So I started researching, on the hunt for something that would not only help my immediate wrist pain but improve my overall wrist health. That’s when I stumbled upon the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Split Keyboard, the find that changed the way I look at typing forever.
So what makes this keyboard so special? Designed to help you type in a more natural, ergonomic way, this keyboard features a curved, split keyframe that places your hands, wrists, fingers, and forearms in a more natural position — something you’ll notice upon first use by the immediate lack of strain felt. Offering a large, full-sized design (complete with a number pad) this keyboard also features a pillowed wrist rest that places your forearms just above the keyboard, which according to the brand, offers 54 percent more wrist support while reducing wrist bending by 25 percent. Best of all, it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OS and it can be connected to your computer one of two ways: via Bluetooth or USB, making it a seamless addition to most WFH setups.
The first thing that stuck out to me (and will probably stick out to you, too) is its size. At 17.95-inches long and 9.17-inches deep, I was surprised at just how large this keyboard is. However, I wouldn’t say it’s much bigger than a traditional keyboard and wrist pad setup, it just seems bigger because the keyboard and pad are connected as one piece. I personally like how roomy it is as well as the fact that I can simply move the whole setup when cleaning my desk.
As for its performance, it was like a Kylie Minogue song: love at first sight. When I first placed my hands on the keyboard, I let out an audible “woah” — I had truly never experienced anything like it. Thanks to its split design, my wrists were able to lay at an angle they naturally would and the tension in my wrists was instantly gone. While it took me about a day to get accustomed to the new layout of the keys, I quickly adapted and was continually impressed at how my wrist pain was all but gone (my residual soreness would take about two weeks to dissipate). But the thing that struck me the most? How much I noticed the strain when I wouldn’t use it. When I would sit with my laptop and use the included keyboard, I became hyper-aware of how awkward it is to type on a straight keyboard as well as how much twisting I was actually doing with my wrists. Needless to say, I immediately returned to my desk.
At $127, this keyboard is definitely an investment piece. However, when I think about how much I could potentially spend on other treatments for my wrist pain (and the possible long-term health implications of ignoring it) this find is a preventative win. Now if only I could put this in my carry-on…
Sarah writes about all things shopping for Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, and Cubby helping you find the best deals and the best products for you and your home. A Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl, she loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and her family (but not necessarily in that order).
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’re anything like me, you always seem to be chasing that ever-elusive good night’s rest. Sleep troubles have plagued me for as long as I can remember, so when it comes to testing products that promise to deliver better sleep — from the perfect set of sheets to a clock designed to help you wake up refreshed — I’m the first to raise my hand. A couple of months ago, I (warily) started looking into sleep headphones. I live on a busy city street and struggle with turning my brain “off” at night, so the idea of headphones to drown everything out with some calming sounds was enticing. However, I was hesitant: Would I really be able to find a pair that was both comfortable to sleep in and able to help me fall (and stay) asleep? Yes, yes I was. Let me introduce you to the Kokoon Nightbuds.
I first came across these headphones when I was browsing the National Sleep Foundation’s website (I love staying up to date on sleep news) and saw they had won the 2021 SleepTech® Award. Designed to help you get to sleep and stay asleep, the Kokoon Nightbuds are sleep-monitoring headphones of the future. With features including adaptive audio, a comfort sleep design, and a corresponding app with everything from soundscapes to sleep insights, it’s hard not to be intrigued by this sleep device. So when I was given an opportunity to put them to the test, I jumped at the chance.
In all, three things stand out about my experience with these headphones: how comfortable they are, how easy they are to use, and how well they truly work. I’ll be honest, the first time I saw the neckband I was worried, namely about whether the wires would get lost in my curly hair, but I found myself really enjoying the curved design of the wires. I didn’t have to worry about losing the headphones or accidentally strangling myself in my sleep (we’ve all been there, right?). And I would be remiss not to mention the earbuds themselves, which sit so comfortably in my ears I barely feel them, a big plus for a side-sleeper like me.
To use these headphones, pair them with your phone via Bluetooth, and download the Kokoon App. While a lot of the top sleep headphones work exclusively with their own corresponding apps, the Nightbuds do not. These headphones connect directly to your phone, so you’re not limited to the sounds on the Kokoon app, which, admittedly, has a limited selection. But with curated Spotify playlists and access to every music and podcast streamer (I listen to the Get Sleepy podcast religiously), I have the freedom to find the content that’ll help me get those precious Zzz’s.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about these headphones is their performance. When I say they blocked everything out, I mean everything. I’m talking neighbors. I’m talking sirens. I’m talking snoring. As I mentioned, I live on a busy city street, so to say the newfound silence was jarring the first night would be an understatement. But after a few nights of actually sleeping throughout the night, I was sold. And I haven’t even told you about my favorite feature: adaptive audio. As the Nightbuds detect you’ve fallen asleep, they fade out your audio and swap it for one of three colored noise options (white, pink, or brown) to make sure nothing disturbs your deep sleep. You can even program them to wake in the morning.
Now let me be clear: I’m well aware that even on sale at $175 (regularly $250), these headphones are not cheap. However, when you take into account all of the thoughtful features, the incredible performance, and their comfortability, Kokoon Nightbuds are more than worth the investment. If better, deeper sleep is on your radar, take a chance on the Nightbuds. I think you’ll be more than surprised at the good night’s sleep you get.
Sarah writes about all things shopping for Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, and Cubby helping you find the best deals and the best products for you and your home. A Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl, she loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and her family (but not necessarily in that order).
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
With many of us spending more time indoors than ever before and winter bringing shorter days, you may find that the lack of light exposure has you feeling a bit off. The decrease in sunlight impacts people in different ways, with some developing a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the American Psychological Association, SAD comes with many of the same symptoms as depression: fatigue, lack of interest, sleep difficulty (or, on the other hand, excessive sleeping), and feelings of hopelessness and despair. Thankfully, there are several ways you can manage SAD, but one popular method is light therapy. And if you want to see if light therapy is the right option for you, there are plenty of high-quality and affordable options out there.
How Light Therapy Lamps Work
Since SAD is largely related to a lack of sunlight, light therapy is a method of getting your body — and your mental health — back on track. Light therapy lamps, or light boxes, typically provide 10,000 lux (a measure of light intensity) and can help restore your body to a normal circadian rhythm to keep SAD symptoms at bay, according to Harvard Medical School’s health blog. Generally, you would use your light therapy lamp by sitting close to it with your eyes open, but not looking directly at it, for 30 minutes a day. It’s best if you do so early in the day, when you first wake up.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your light therapy lamp, HuffPost has a roundup of helpful tips.
Note: Light therapy may not work the same for everyone and can have side effects, so it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before trying it.
Nicole Lund and Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
Brittney is Apartment Therapy’s Assistant Lifestyle Editor and an avid tweeter with a passion for carbs and lipstick. She believes in mermaids and owns way too many throw pillows.
Kara Nesvig grew up on a sugar beet farm in rural North Dakota and did her first professional interview with Steven Tyler at age 14. She has written for publications including Teen Vogue, Allure and Wit & Delight. She lives in an adorable 1920s house in St. Paul with her husband, their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dandelion and many, many pairs of shoes. Kara is a voracious reader, Britney Spears superfan and copywriter — in that order.
