Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds used in various industries for their durability against heat, oil, and water. However, research indicates that these chemicals have harmful, persistent effects on human health and the environment. A study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC explored how exposure to a combination of PFAS affects biological processes in children and young adults, revealing significant disruptions in fat and amino acid metabolism, and thyroid hormone function. These disruptions heighten the risk of developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and certain cancers.
The study analyzed blood samples from 449 participants and identified several PFAS compounds present in their systems. Researchers noted that the effects of PFAS exposure were more pronounced with mixtures rather than isolated chemicals. As nearly all individuals in the U.S. have detectable PFAS levels, the findings support the need for regulatory focus on all PFAS as a class, rather than targeting individual substances alone. This research underscores the emerging understanding of PFAS’s health impacts, particularly during critical developmental stages, prompting calls for increased regulatory measures.
