Medical Moment: Scientists discover how dangerous exposure to PFAS chemicals can be

WNDU.com | October 11, 2024

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"They are known as forever chemicals. They can be life-threatening and just about everyone has been exposed to them.

PFAS are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1950s.

Now, scientists are getting a clearer picture of just how dangerous these chemicals are.

It keeps our food from sticking and our clothes from burning.

“They can be found in house dust,” said Dr. Susan Pinney, epidemiologist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are used in aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronic industries. Over time, PFAS leak into our soil and water and because they break down slowly, if at all, almost everyone is repeatedly exposed to them.

“The PFAS have long half-lives, which mean they are retained in the body for a long time,” said Dr. Pinney.

PFAS can cause increased cholesterol levels, lower immunity, and some cancers. And now a new study out of the University of Cincinnati shows that exposure to PFAS may impact young girls."