What are the health risks associated with exposure to “forever chemicals”?
Recent studies have highlighted the presence of ‘forever chemicals’, also known as PFAS, in animals’ blood, which could have alarmingly negative impacts on the environment and the health of those exposed.
What are “forever chemicals”?
PFAS (also known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of chemicals that are integral components in stain-resistant materials and non-stick cookware, and they are also present in industrial products such as fire-fighting foam and petroleum.
PFAS are referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ because they are extremely difficult to break down – they resist both physical, chemical and biological degradation, and can linger in the environment for thousands of years.
Impact of forever chemicals on wildlife
A new study has found that the presence of ‘forever chemicals’ in the environment had led to their presence in the animals’ blood, which could trigger a variety of long-term health problems.
The study analysed the blood of 50 different animals between 2018 and 2020, and found that 76 percent of the animal’s blood samples contained some level of PFAS. Alarmingly, the levels of PFAS in some samples was up to 50x higher than human levels.
Scientists are concerned that animals could be seriously negatively impacted if exposed to even low concentrations of PFAS.
Effects on Humans
The presence of ‘forever chemicals’ in animals’ blood could have significant implications for humans, as these chemicals are transferred up the food chain. This means that the PFAS present in animals’ blood could be present in our own food, leading to health problems.
Research suggests that PFAS exposure could lead to a host of health problems, ranging from cancer and hormone disruption to reproductive issues and immune system impairment.
What can be done?
In order to reduce the presence of PFAS in the environment, a number of measures should be taken, including:
- Regulation: Governments should be more stringent in the regulation of PFAS, requiring manufacturers to use alternative materials or chemistries that are not as persistent or pose risk to the environment.
- Waste management: Improved waste management practices are essential to ensure that chemicals are properly disposed of and do not enter the environment.
- Public awareness: Raising awareness of the health risks of PFAS and the importance of reducing exposure can help to reduce their presence in the environment.
It is clear that more must be done to reduce the presence of ‘forever chemicals’ in the environment, to protect wildlife and the health of humans.
A study published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has revealed alarming levels of PFAS – a group of highly toxic substances that never degrade – in the blood of animals across America.
PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’, are a family of chemicals that are widely present in everyday items such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and firefighting foam. They are highly stable, resistant to degradation and accumulate in the environment and wildlife over time, causing significant health and environmental concerns.
The study, which tested 8 different species of animals, found that all had elevated levels of PFAS. The highest levels were found in polar bears, with the ultra-persistent PFAS chemicals perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) present at 26,000 and 230,000, respectively. Levels in the deer and rodents were also concerningly high.
Worryingly, PFAS also move up the food chain, as unpurified water and contaminated animal-based food can allow them to accumulate in the bodies of humans. The danger associated with these chemicals is not just environmental, but could also be described as health risk, as they have been linked to numerous health issues, ranging from cancer to developmental problems in children.
The authors of the study have warned that steps need to be taken to reduce the release of PFAS into the environment, as well as preventing the release of more persistent and hazardous PFAS replacements. Furthermore, further research is necessary to uncover the full extent of this issue and it’s impact on not just wildlife, but humans too.
The findings of this study should be a wake-up call to governments and corporations across the world, as the evidence suggests that PFAS pollution is not just an environmental but a public health issue. It is therefore imperative that action is taken before this global threat becomes an even bigger problem.