Discover the omnipresence of forever chemicals. A recent study by environmental chemists from the University of Birmingham in England revealed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can penetrate the skin barrier in 3-D human skin models. This indicates that these compounds can be absorbed through the skin and potentially enter the bloodstream. PFAS, known for their nearly indestructible carbon-fluorine bonds, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s in various products like nonstick cookware and water-repellent fabrics. Despite their initial benefits, research now shows that PFAS are harmful to human health, resistant to degradation, and prevalent in the environment. In the United States, exposure to PFAS mainly occurs through food packaging, indoor dust, and contaminated drinking water. Due to the alarming levels of PFAS in drinking water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency implemented guidelines in June 2022 to reduce human consumption of these chemicals.
Date: 2024-07-31 12:00:00
Source: www.sciencenews.org