How PFAS leave detectable fingerprints in human blood as researchers trace their health impacts
By
Carrie McDonough
Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, baked to perfection. Worth every minute at the bakery.
Summary
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals found in virtually all living organisms, including humans. Researchers are uncovering links between PFAS exposure and serious health issues such as weakened immune systems, kidney and testicular cancer, and pregnancy complications like preeclampsia. The article explains how these "forever chemicals" transform in the body, leaving detectable fingerprints in blood, and explores the scientific efforts to trace these compounds back to their sources for better understanding and regulation.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledVirtually every living thing on Earth, from Patagonian penguins to newborn human babies, has been touched by the synthetic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.
You would be hard pressed to find a sample of human blood, tissue or breast milk without detectable levels of at least one type of PFAS.
Researchers are continually uncovering links between human exposure to PFAS and poor health outcomes, including a weakened immune system, a heightened risk of kidney and testicular cancer, and pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia.
You might also wanna read
Study Finds PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' Accelerate Biological Aging in Men Aged 50-60
A new study reveals that PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the
cnn.com·3mo ago
Study Finds PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' in 95% of U.S. Beers Tested
A scientific study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that 95% of beers tested across the U.S. contain PFAS (forever chem
EPA Moves to Reverse PFAS Drinking Water Protection Standards
The EPA is seeking to eliminate drinking water protections for PFAS 'forever chemicals' by asking a federal court to reverse regulations for
earthjustice.org·8mo ago
Sunlight-Activated Material Breaks Down PFAS in Water into Harmless Fluoride
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a sunlight-activated material capable of degrading PFAS in water into harmless comp
phys.org·9mo ago