“PFAS (High Fluorinated Substances) is a group of over 4,700 chemicals that are water and dirt repellent. They are used as surface treatment in many products, such as clothing, shoes, food packaging and frying pans. They are available in fire foams, beauty products, furniture fabrics and electronics. All PFAS are created by man. The first ones started to be used as early as the 1950s, but new uses have made the emissions accelerate in recent decades. It is only recently that we have begun to understand how dangerous and widespread these substances are. In the early 2000s, reports came that PFAS could be found worldwide, from the blood of factory workers to polar bears far away in the Arctic. This led to PFOS being banned in 2008, and PFOA being banned in December 2020. However, several of the substitutes are suspected to be equally problematic but are still allowed. And new, completely untested PFAS substances continue to emerge in the market. The EU’s new strategy, it looks like a PFAS ban in consumer products could become a reality, but such processes can take a long time. We want a stop for PFAS in Sweden as soon as possible.”

Source: https://naturskyddsforeningen.se

The Swedish Society of Nature Conservation

In this activity, students can learn about the many chemical products found in most cosmetic products, as well as how to protect their health and the environment by making conscious choices what to put on their skin – our largest organ and make some products from the Natural Kingdom. At the same time, learners will be able to develop basis skills such as simple calculations, association of concepts, green and ecological skills.

The exercise will serve as an inspiration to experiment with natural ingredients to make cosmetic products scents and natural herbs and oils for body and soul and for a deeper understanding of hidden chemicals in everyday life and how we all can help to minimize them.

This activity can be developed individually by learners or as a pair activity (2 learners) that shall be focused on the positive use of natural products on the body.