In the small town of Kallinge, Sweden, residents grapple with the looming threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” In the 1930s, German scientists first created these chemicals for insulating electric wiring. Their researchers worked to develop materials that did not go pungent or odic. Since then, they’ve swept through sector after sector. One of the most infamous is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) a remarkably effective fire-fighting suppressor.
What adds to the situation in Kallinge is that there is a large, permanent air force base nearby. During training exercises, this base poured AFFF laden with PFAS directly onto the ground. This has resulted in grave and dangerous health consequences for the community. Residents have documented a truly shocking list of serious health problems that they believe are connected to PFAS contamination. One other new study found that these same chemicals increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by an average of 18%. They further increase vulnerability to Covid-19 by 19%. PFAS exposure has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
One of those impacted is Herman Afzelius, who found out that he had PFAS levels over 100 times the average. His worries grew as he began to see harmful health impacts on his family and neighbors, especially since 2013. To counter the disturbing lack of awareness and action on PFAS contamination, Afzelius launched a Facebook group in June 2014 focused on raising awareness. Once formed, the group quickly gained traction, with members numbering in the hundreds, all joining in to share their own stories and phobias.
His daughter, Nahla Afzelius, was only four years old when her father started his crusade against PFAS. Now at 14, she has seen her father’s dogged fight for justice for their community. “The air was knocked out of us. We were so alone in all this,” Afzelius said, amplifying the hurt that the emotional and financial devastation of the pandemic has wrought on families.
The ramifications extend beyond individual health. Since 2018, four of the original six board members of the PFAS association have gotten cancer. This includes Afzelius himself, and three of them were diagnosed before they turned 50 years old. In 2012, artist Royne Robertsson had surgery on his left leg to remove a rare form of cancer. He believes that this cancer is related to his exposure to PFAS as well.
Sara Blixt, another impacted community member, articulated the anger of so many in the room at the failure for those responsible to be held accountable. “What are you going to do? We are poisoned!” she lamented. Ninnie Wikström echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and support: “If only they would concede and say, ‘Sorry, you know what, we’ve got to help you out right now.’ No. We have to struggle, and struggle, and invest resources in this fight, rather than receiving assistance.”
Beyond individual struggles to recover from health issues, communities have been met with systemic barriers when trying to combat PFAS contamination. Christel Nielsen, an environmental expert, pointed out a significant flaw in the regulatory process: “There is no testing before chemicals are released on the market. We are basically chasing these new substances years after they’ve been put on the market in order to understand what health effects they’ve already had.”
Their community has become ground zero for dealing with the harmful effects of PFAS exposure. In turn, many of these members are pursuing medical interventions to lessen the risks they face. Additionally, research has demonstrated that Cholestyramine, a cholesterol-lowering drug, can lower blood PFAS concentrations by 15% to 44%. This means there’s hope for those who have been impacted. That moves the needle only a tiny bit in relieving their lifelong suffering from the damaging effects of these toxic chemicals.
The Kallinge community has arrived at a pivotal juncture. They are contending with fear, anxiety, and a growing distrust regarding their health and well-being. Yet they face this crisis with grit and resolve. Most importantly, they call for transparency and accountability from those who brought these toxic, life-altering substances into their communities.