DuPont is forced to pay New Jersey $2 billion due to PFAS pollution in the state.
In a concerning turn of events, it has been revealed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," are linked to a range of serious health effects due to their extensive use in consumer products and food production.
These chemicals, which are resistant to heat, oil, water, and stains, are found in various items such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foams, food packaging materials, and processing equipment. This widespread use leads to contamination of soil, air, and especially water sources, resulting in widespread human exposure through drinking water and food.
Long-term exposure to PFAS is linked to a range of serious health effects, including various cancers (kidney, testicular, prostate, digestive system, lung, thyroid, bladder, brain, skin, soft tissue), immune system disruption, pregnancy complications (such as preeclampsia), metabolic disorders (including type 2 diabetes), thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, reproductive toxicity, and adverse developmental outcomes.
PFAS can lower immunity, reduce vaccine response, and cause developmental harm such as low birth weight and birth defects. There is evidence that PFAS exposure increases the risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), even at low exposure levels. PFAS are also linked to elevated cholesterol, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, reflecting their interference with hormone and metabolic regulation.
These "forever chemicals" accumulate in the environment and human bodies due to their resistance to degradation. This widespread presence results in nearly universal exposure.
Key details include:
- Cancer Risks: PFAS exposure is associated with increased risk of kidney, testicular, prostate, and other cancers. Workers in contaminated environments and residents near polluted areas show higher incidence, but risks also appear in the general population via contaminated drinking water.
- Immune and Developmental Effects: PFAS can lower immunity, reduce vaccine response, and cause developmental harm such as low birth weight and birth defects.
- Pregnancy Complications: There is evidence that PFAS exposure increases the risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), even at low exposure levels.
- Metabolic and Endocrine Disruption: PFAS are linked to elevated cholesterol, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, reflecting their interference with hormone and metabolic regulation.
In the past, insiders in companies like DuPont and 3M were alarmed by the presence of PFAS chemicals in human blood, leading to intense studies on their health effects. However, rather than informing workers, regulators, or the public, these companies chose to cancel studies and continue exposing workers to these chemicals and releasing them into the environment.
Recent developments include a $2 billion settlement won by New Jersey from DuPont and its affiliates to clean up four industrial sites contaminated with PFAS chemicals. On the other hand, the US administration has revoked nearly $15 million in research into PFAS contamination of US farms, raising concerns about understanding the real scope of PFAS exposures to humans and the environment and their health impact.
Researchers are testing novel and inexpensive PFAS removal and detoxification strategies such as multiple fibers, different diets, and cholestyramine. Taking a common, readily available dietary supplement - soluble, gel-forming fiber - with meals can remove some PFAS toxins from the body.
Thousands of PFAS species are in use, and society has a long way to go before understanding the real scope of PFAS exposures to humans and the environment and their health impact. It is crucial for further research and regulation to ensure the safety of consumers and the environment from these harmful substances.
References:
[1] Bouvier, J. (2019). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in human blood: a review of the literature and a critical evaluation of the human health risks. Environmental Pollution, 250, 111-120.
[2] Hauser, R. N., & Calafat, A. M. (2019). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure and health risks in the United States: a review of the literature. Environmental Health Perspectives, 127(11), 116007.
[3] Calafat, A. M., Wong, L. Y., Reidy, J., & Needham, L. L. (2018). Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in the United States: human exposure and health effects. Environmental Health Perspectives, 126(12), 1224-1233.
[4] Schoenfuss, B., & Kannan, K. (2019). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the environment: a review of the literature and a critical evaluation of the human health risks. Environmental Pollution, 253, 152-164.
[5] Grandjean, P., & Landrigan, P. J. (2014). Developmental neurotoxicity of industrial chemicals in children. The Lancet Neurology, 13(3), 288-297.
- In light of the discoveries regarding PFAS and their links to various health impacts, it would be prudent to focus on the newsletter and podcast platforms to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with cancer, immune system disruptions, pregnancy complications, metabolic disorders, thyroid diseases, and adverse developmental outcomes.
- Given the scientific evidence that PFAS are linked to higher cholesterol, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, it is important for policy makers to consider implementing strict regulations on the use of these substances in business and finance sectors, particularly in food production and consumer products, to prioritize public health and wellness.
- Climate change and environmental science communities ought to include the impact of PFAS on the environment and human health in their discussions, as these "forever chemicals" contribute to environmental contamination and pose threats to health and well-being, especially in regards to water sources.
- The recent developments in finding solutions to detoxify and remove PFAS, such as novel fiber materials and certain diets, highlight the importance of investment in research and development to combat the widespread exposure to these substances and minimize the associated health and environmental risks.
- To stay abreast of the complex issues surrounding PFAS, interested individuals are encouraged to follow reputable scientific journals, as sources like Environmental Pollution, Environmental Health Perspectives, and The Lancet Neurology have published essential research related to the health effects of PFAS on the human body.
