Recent research has found that forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, can enter the bloodstream through skin contact, shedding new light on how these toxic substances make their way into the body. PFAS are commonly found in industrial and consumer products, including cosmetics, hand sanitizers, and clothing. These chemicals, which do not break down naturally, have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, liver damage, and low birth weight.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham tested 17 different compounds regulated by the EU’s drinking water law and found that 15 of them were significantly absorbed through human skin equivalent models. This finding challenges the previous understanding that PFAS enter the body primarily through inhalation or ingestion.
Basile Ghesquiere from the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) emphasized the importance of understanding how people are exposed to PFAS in order to implement effective regulations. The study also highlighted the fact that chemicals with shorter chain lengths are more easily absorbed, even though the industry has shifted towards using short-chain PFAS under the assumption that they are less toxic.
The pervasiveness of PFAS pollution has raised concerns about the health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. In Europe, millions of people live in communities with drinking water contaminated with PFAS. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified one PFAS chemical as a human carcinogen, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory action.
The European Chemicals Agency is considering a ban on forever chemicals, although industry opposition may slow down the regulatory process. Future studies will need to focus on the broader health risks associated with PFAS exposure, rather than isolating individual compounds.
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