Study Associates Exposure to Multiple PFAS with Metabolic, Thyroid Harm
A recent study suggests that exposure to a mixture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may alter several critical biological processes, including the metabolism of fats and amino acids, which is associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and many types of cancer. Researchers also found that exposure to a mixture of PFAS may alter thyroid hormone function.
Although exposure to individual PFAS is already known to lead to negative health consequences, the present study is the first to evaluate how biological processes are altered by exposure to a combination of multiple PFAS, which is pertinent as humans are exposed to a mixture of PFAS. Also known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS have been widely used in consumer goods and packaging, leading to environmental contamination and subsequent human dietary exposure.