PFAS Chemicals
Environmental Issues in Utah

Environmental Issues in Utah

sam Digiambattista Jul 30, 2025

Utah, known for its unique climate, is home to 5 national parks and 15 ski resorts, boasting some of the best skiing in the world. Every year, almost 7 million skiers come to Utah’s resorts, with Park City being the most popular. It’s no coincidence that unfortunately Park City currently is struggling with PFAS in their drinking water. The city itself has identified fluoro ski wax as the problem.  Fluorocarbon wax creates a barrier that repels moisture and dirt, allowing skies to go over terrain smoother and faster. However, this wax is made up of PFAS, which are destructive forever chemicals. The bottom of skies are potentially the most problematic place for PFAS to be as it’s easier for them to wear off into the snow and surrounding environment, which contaminates water sources. The industry has made massive steps towards protecting the environment however, with The International Ski Organization banning fluoro wax from competitions, and independent resorts taking steps to ban the wax from their slopes.  Fortunately, the production of PFAS free ski wax is on the rise.  Fluoro wax is internationally recognized as a threat to the environment, but what is less recognized is the PFAS coating that is on ski shell jackets. Similar to fluoro wax, the water resistant coatings on ski jackets are made up of PFAS, and can wear off into the environment over extended use. Abrasion to the jacket causes PFAS to wear off into the climate. Not only do PFAS contaminate water sources for wildlife and for mankind but they are also greenhouse gasses, and their production contributes significantly to global warming.  PFAS aren’t the only problem Utah is facing right now, Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ poses a risk to 18 million acres of previously protected land. A good amount of that land is where ski resorts are based. Ski resorts don’t own the land they operate on; they own the lifts and lease out the land from the government or other parties. That land is at risk as Utah’s senators race to protect it and remove the public land provisions. The bill will also generally weaken environmental protection state-wide, and negative environmental effects are sure to come to pass. 

Sources of PFAS Exposure: Where Do Forever Chemicals Come From?

Sources of PFAS Exposure: Where Do Forever Chemicals Come From?

sam Digiambattista Jun 8, 2024

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have contaminated our environment and daily lives, posing a significant challenge to human health and environmental integrity. Understanding the sources of PFAS exposure is crucial in addressing this pervasive issue and mitigating its impact on public health. In this article, we delve into the various pathways through which PFAS enter our surroundings, shedding light on the complex web of contamination. Consumer Products PFAS are commonly found in a wide range of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, food packaging, and personal care products. These chemicals can leach out of products over time, leading to direct exposure to consumers through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. While individual exposure from consumer products may be relatively low compared to other sources, cumulative exposure over time can still pose health risks. Industrial Releases Industrial facilities that manufacture or use PFAS-containing products are major contributors to environmental contamination. These chemicals can be released into the air, water, or soil during production processes, leading to widespread contamination of surrounding areas. Industries such as textiles, electronics, and chemical manufacturing are known to discharge PFAS into the environment, creating hotspots of contamination near manufacturing sites. Firefighting Foams PFAS-containing firefighting foams, known as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), have been widely used by military and civilian fire departments for decades due to their effectiveness in extinguishing flammable liquid fires. However, the use of AFFF has led to contamination of soil and groundwater at training facilities, airports, and firefighting sites, posing risks to both firefighters and nearby communities. Landfills and Waste Sites Improper disposal of products containing PFAS can result in leaching of these chemicals into the environment over time. Landfills and waste sites that accept industrial and consumer waste may become sources of PFAS contamination, as these chemicals can seep into the soil and groundwater, leading to long-term environmental degradation. Landfill leachate, the liquid that drains from landfills, can carry PFAS into nearby water bodies, further spreading contamination. Industrial Waste Discharges Industries that use PFAS in their manufacturing processes may discharge wastewater containing these chemicals into municipal sewage systems or directly into water bodies. Municipal wastewater treatment plants are not always equipped to remove PFAS effectively, leading to the release of contaminated effluent into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This can result in widespread contamination of aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies downstream. Atmospheric Deposition PFAS can travel long distances through the atmosphere and deposit onto land and water surfaces far from their original sources. Atmospheric deposition is particularly concerning in remote or pristine environments, where PFAS contamination may be unexpected but still prevalent. Once deposited, PFAS can accumulate in soil and water, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Food and Drinking Water Contamination of food and drinking water sources is a significant pathway for human exposure to PFAS. These chemicals can enter the food chain through contaminated soil and water, leading to bioaccumulation in animals and seafood. Consumption of contaminated food and water is a common route of exposure for humans, with certain populations, such as subsistence fishermen and indigenous communities, facing elevated risks due to their reliance on locally sourced food and water. PFAS contamination is a multifaceted issue with diverse sources and pathways of exposure. Addressing this challenge requires comprehensive strategies that target the root causes of contamination, including tighter regulations on industrial releases, improved waste management practices, and safer alternatives to PFAS-containing products. By understanding the sources of PFAS exposure and taking proactive measures to reduce contamination, we can safeguard human health and protect the environment for future generations.

Understanding PFAS: Exploring the Invisible Threat

Understanding PFAS: Exploring the Invisible Threat

sam Digiambattista May 2, 2024

Have you ever considered the possible health risks of using your everyday items? From your non-stick frying pan to your waterproof jacket, what if I told you they had a hidden danger, one that lasts long after their usefulness has faded? Enter the realm of Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), the 'forever-chemicals' harming our environment and health.  What are PFAs and where are they found? PFAs have emerged as a significant environmental and public health concern in recent years, prompting widespread attention from scientists, policymakers, and the public. These man-made chemicals, characterized by their unique fluorine-carbon bonds, have been used in a variety of industrial and consumer products for decades with their water and oil-repellent properties, and their resistance to heat and chemical degradation. PFAs are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” as they don’t break down.  From drinking water to high-performance outerwear jackets, PFAs are found in countless everyday items, bringing a lasting wave of contamination with them. It’s not just the widespread use of PFAs that raises red flags; it’s their persistent effect on the environment and their potential to cause harm to human health that raise great concerns from experts across all industries.  How do PFAs find their way into your everyday life? PFAs find their way into our ecosystems through multiple pathways. The most common way for PFAs contamination to occur is through industrial releases and improper disposal. Factories that produce or use materials containing PFAs release these chemicals into the water, air, or soil, leading to dangerous contamination of surrounding areas. The improper disposal of PFAs products such as textiles and electronic devices leads to these chemicals spreading throughout the environment resulting in harmful contamination.  One of the most concerning aspects of PFAs contamination is how far and fast these chemicals spread throughout the environment. Due to the unique chemical properties of PFAs, they do not break down easily in natural environments, hence the name “forever chemicals.” Instead of breaking down, they persist for long periods of time, building up in soil, bodies of water, and living organisms.  How worried should you be about these chemicals? The implications of PFAs contamination for human health are still being studied, but research has raised significant concerns. A video from PBS NewsHour, What new EPA limits on 'forever chemicals' mean for U.S. drinking water, highlights the negative impacts of PFAs and new regulations coming out to protect people from these chemicals. They discuss studies that have linked exposure to PFAs with a variety of health effects, including cancer, reproductive problems, immune system disorders, and developmental delays. These chemicals have been detected in the blood of people worldwide, indicating widespread exposure and potential risks to public health.    Some countries have implemented restrictions on the use of certain PFAs chemicals, while others have established guidelines for monitoring and testing contaminated sites. However, much more needs to be done to address the ongoing risks posed by PFAs contamination and to protect public health and the environment.   PFAs contamination represents a complex challenge with far-reaching implications for human health and the environment. Understanding the sources, pathways, and impacts of PFAs contamination is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its effects and protect vulnerable communities. By raising awareness, promoting research, and implementing comprehensive regulatory measures, we can work towards minimizing the risks associated with PFAs contamination and ensuring a safer, healthier future for all.

Indersity News

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Climate Tech Startup Indersity Solves PFAs Crisis Launching Their Highest Performing Shell Jacket Ever

    Climate Tech Startup Indersity Solves PFAs Crisis Launching Their Highest Performing Shell Jacket Ever

    sam Digiambattista Sep 27, 2024

    NEW YORK CITY, New York - 27 September 2024 - Indersity, the climate tech startup specializing in textile development and technical high-performance outerwear, has announced the launch of their new material, InderShield™, used in their new line of high performance shell jackets. This is the first material of its kind, achieving a 40,000mm Waterproofness rating and 30,000g Breathability rating without any intentionally added PFAS. Designed by extreme athletes for extreme adventurers, their new shell jackets made with their innovative material, InderShield™, are designed for pushing boundaries in the toughest weather conditions. With the creation of this material Indersity is setting a new standard for high performance outerwear.  Indersity is a climate tech startup founded by Samuel Digiambattista, a passionate skier who was in high school at the time. The company’s mission is to create the highest performing outerwear on earth without harming the environment. Leveraging new technologies and a team of industry experts, Indersity takes their first step towards fulfilling their mission with the release of their revolutionary shell material, InderShield™.  “As soon as I learned that everyone's favorite gear is actually killing our environment with PFAs, I dedicated myself to creating a solution for the sake of the future skiers,” said Samuel Digiambattista, founder & CEO of Inderisty. “Over the past year working with teams around the world inching towards a solution that would truly transform the industry we’ve been able to learn and accomplish a lot with innovative membranes. I’m incredibly proud to say that our revolutionary material we created through our dedication and passion for a solution will set new benchmarks within the high-performance outerwear industry.” Indersity’s revolutionary shell jackets are now available to purchase on their website.  With Indersity’s focus on the future of adventurers and our environment, they’ve been able to push the outerwear industry forward into a new era with InderShield™ used in their line of shell jackets.  The key features are: Top performance ratings. InderShield™ achieves a 40,000mm waterproof rating and a 30,000g (g/m2/24hr) breathability rating in the InderShield™ material they’ve developed. Every seam is sealed in the jacket to ensure full waterproofness. Indersity’s shell material, InderShield™, was made with no intentionally added PFAS chemicals. PFAs or otherwise known as “forever chemicals” are man made and are killing our environment. These forever chemicals have also been proven to have health effects, including liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and more. Current high-performance shell materials rely on PFAs to achieve their performance, in turn killing the environment. Indersity’s material, InderShield™, is made without any intentionally added PFAS chemicals. Designed by professional athletes for extreme adventurers. Working with athletes in the field every day led Indersity to a masterfully crafted shell design. Founded by skiers looking out for the outdoor communities. Indersity does things with the adventurer in mind. Indersity is committed to looking out for the extreme adventurers as a brand innovating to enhance experiences outdoors while saving the planet for future generations. Indersity’s launch of their innovative material is the first step towards their vision of the outerwear industry being 100% environmentally friendly without compromising the performance of athletes. Indersity will continue to innovate and create better solutions for the extreme adventurers. To learn more about Indersity and its innovative shell material and jackets, please visit Indersity.com.  About Indersity: Indersity is an outerwear company founded by Samuel DiGiambattista, an extreme skier, with the adventurers' needs in mind. Indersity is dedicated to revolutionizing the industry to allow athletes to push boundaries forever with InderShield™. With a focus on being environmentally friendly while achieving the highest performance on the market, Indersity aims to set new standards for what shell jackets should be. Contact: Indersity PR info@indersity.com

    Philosophy

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    Caring About Our Planet

      Caring About Our Planet

      sam Digiambattista Jul 29, 2025

      Earth, Globe, World, Universe, Cosmos- All these words encapsulate the planet we call home. But what they don’t properly encapsulate are the roaring rivers, tall mountains, endless plains, sprawling forests, and infinite oceans that make up Earth. With all this beauty, the natural inclination is to protect it. But humans for centuries have poisoned nature and its wildlife with relentless chemicals, and have hunted species to extinction and made hundreds of thousands more vulnerable. Oceans are rising, wildlife is disappearing, and it’s because of the mass production of products made with single use plastic and forever chemicals that hurt our earth.  While the words listed at the start of the first paragraph all casually refer to this planet, two of them have very different meanings: Globe and Planet. Globe focuses on an anthropocentristic, or human-centric, view of the world, which starts with the first human, focuses on humans’ civilizations, and tells history through the eyes of man. Planet decenters the human, this noun refers to the history of nature and its domains, wildlife and their stories, as well as human involvement. In order to fight against climate change, we must be referring to the earth as our planet and recognize our small part in its biodiversity, and our potentially catastrophic impact on it today.  Why should you care? Well, humans are dependent on their environment to live, for sports, work, shelter, fun and almost every daily act we carry out. Doing your laundry or washing the dishes is dependent on a water source, taking the bus to work is dependent on the gas drilled up that the bus runs on, watching a soccer game depends on the grass underneath the players’ feet, breathing air is dependent on the oceans and plants that produce oxygen. And yet, we’ve repaid the environment horribly. To stop this massacre of other life on our planet, every one must make the conscious choice to protect our world.  What does making the choice to save our earth look like? There are multiple ways to fight back against climate change, with the most effective one today being advocacy because it has the capacity to affect more people. But there are personal choices that you can make that save our planet little by little. For example, choosing to bring your own bags to the grocery store and buying products that don’t contain forever chemicals. 

      Gear

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      Hard Shell Jackets: What Do They Do?

        Hard Shell Jackets: What Do They Do?

        sam Digiambattista Aug 22, 2024

          Hard shell jackets are the unsung heroes of outdoor gear, offering a crucial layer of protection in extreme weather conditions. Designed to be the ultimate barrier against the elements, these jackets are engineered to keep you dry and shielded from wind, rain, and snow, all while maintaining breathability. Waterproofing The primary function of a hard shell jacket is to provide exceptional waterproofing. Unlike soft shells or insulated jackets, hard shells are built with advanced waterproof membranes like Indersity’s InderShield, which prevent water from penetrating while allowing moisture vapor to escape. This is essential for staying dry during heavy rain or snow, whether you're mountaineering, skiing, or hiking in wet conditions. Windproofing In addition to waterproofing, the membranes in hard shell jackets provide windproof protection. This wind-blocking ability is crucial in high-altitude environments or during winter activities where wind chill can be a significant factor. Breathability One of the key features that set hard shell jackets apart is their breathability. While they are designed to be impermeable to water, they are also engineered to allow perspiration and moisture from inside the jacket to escape. This prevents you from feeling clammy or overheating during high-intensity activities, ensuring that you stay comfortable even when you're pushing your limits. Durability Hard shell jackets are built to withstand the rigors of extreme environments. They are typically made from rugged, abrasion-resistant materials that can handle tough conditions, whether you're scraping against rock faces, battling through dense brush, or carrying heavy backpacks. This durability makes them a long-term investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Versatility Though often used in harsh conditions, hard shell jackets are incredibly versatile. They can be worn over multiple layers to adapt to a wide range of temperatures and activities. Whether you're on a multi-day expedition, skiing down a mountain, or simply caught in a downpour on a city street, a hard shell jacket provides the reliable protection you need. In summary, hard shell jackets are essential for anyone who ventures into the great outdoors, especially in challenging weather conditions. They provide unbeatable protection from wind, rain, and snow while allowing you to stay comfortable and dry. Investing in a high-quality hard shell jacket means you're prepared for whatever nature throws your way.