New Study Finds Shocking Link Between Cancer and Synthetic 'Forever Chemical'
A large-scale new study has found that a common synthetic chemical, used to make Teflon and other products, may be causing liver cancer in humans and animals exposed to it in the environment. Although the chemical, known as PFOA or C8, has been phased out of many products, the study reveals it is still present in the soil and water of areas where factories released it into the environment decades ago. This finding suggests that human beings are still being exposed to PFOA long after they stopped drinking contaminated water or breathing polluted air near sites where the chemical was produced.
The organic makeup of plastics
Plastics are composed of both natural and synthetic materials. The organic makeup of plastics is derived from crude oil and natural gas. The synthetic materials are additives that give the plastic its properties, such as color, texture, and strength. One of these additives is a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are used in many consumer products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and carpets. PFASs can last for years once they enter the environment, and accumulate in people’s bodies, where they’ve been linked to low birth weight and developmental delays for babies born to mothers with high levels of PFASs. These forever chemicals have also been linked to liver cancer. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examined data on 49,000 adults over 12 years who had taken part in a 2003-2004 survey by measuring their exposure to two types of PFASs: PFOA and PFOS. Participants were also tested for liver enzymes used as markers for liver function; those who had higher levels of PFOA or PFOS were more likely to show signs of decreased liver function. Though this study has limitations—it was done on adults only, did not measure cumulative exposure to PFASs, and looked at a specific type of chemical when there are many different ones out there—the findings suggest PFASs may be playing an important role in liver disease. Our findings provide strong evidence linking elevated serum concentrations of PFOA with abnormal changes in serum liver enzyme levels, the authors wrote. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned production of one type of PFAS, PFOA, in 2013 because it had caused tumors in lab animals. But studies have shown that the replacement chemicals often break down into other versions of PFASs that might pose health risks as well.
PFASs are pervasive in the environment and toxic to humans and wildlife; studies show they can contaminate drinking water sources far downstream from industrial sites where they're manufactured or used commercially, making them a public health concern throughout North America and Europe.
This report highlights how critical it is to understand how certain chemical exposures contribute to increased risk for chronic diseases, said one expert not involved with the study. This should make us think twice about new classes of emerging contaminants.
BPA banned but replacement bisphenol A or BPA is harmful
For years, we've been told that bisphenol A (BPA) is bad for our health. The synthetic chemical is used in everything from water bottles to food cans, and it's been linked to a variety of health problems.Now, there's another reason to avoid BPA: a new study has found that it may be linked to liver cancer. Researchers looked at over 3,000 people with the disease and discovered that those who had high levels of the chemical in their blood were more likely to have advanced-stage cancer than those with lower levels. This research provides clear evidence on the association between exposure to BPA and liver cancer risk, said study author Dr. Pan He, according to Science Daily. It also implies an association between serum BPA level and severity of liver cancers. That being said, you should take extra care when storing or disposing of any plastic containers containing the chemical -- it can leach into foods or drinks if heated up. And don't drink out of plastic cups, especially ones that are scratched. The problem with BPA isn't just what happens when someone ingests it; studies show that people inhale and absorb the chemical through their skin as well.
In fact, one group of researchers published a paper last year showing how six hours of contact with products containing the compound can transfer BPA onto hands, then into mouth by touching lips without washing hands first. Even worse? Studies suggest that once ingested, the substance enters your bloodstream where it can mimic estrogen and act like an endocrine disruptor. One study showed a link between pregnant women exposed to the chemical and increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight babies. According to WebMD, pregnant women should limit their exposure to the chemicals.
We already know about all the potential side effects of BPA - so why hasn't something been done about it yet? Unfortunately, companies use this cheap, long-lasting material in plastics because it’s resistant to corrosion and deformation. And they want us hooked on using these items since they provide an estimated $190 billion annually worldwide in revenue. There’s a solution: look for canned goods labeled BPA free instead. Recycle anything made with polycarbonate, such as certain water bottles. Choose glass or stainless steel whenever possible. Limit your exposure to thermal paper receipts, which often contain BPA. Wash your hands before eating after handling any type of product that contains the chemical. Don't microwave your food in a plastic container. Avoid making purchases of things that can't be recycled, and recycle those you do buy.
People often turn to bottled water for safety, but check the label closely. The chemical is added to some types of plastics to make them more durable and versatile, not to mention cheaper.
US researchers find a link between cancer and this chemical
In a new study, US researchers have found a link between cancer and a synthetic chemical known as a 'forever chemical'. The chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), is used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and carpeting, food packaging, and firefighting foams. PFOA has been shown to accumulate in the environment and in the human body, where it can stay for years. Previously, the substance was mainly thought to be harmless because it is not known to cause any immediate symptoms. However, researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggest that chronic exposure may lead to liver cancer by activating an oncogene called TGF-beta1. This one hit home because we're all exposed, said Dr John Raudsepp from North Carolina State University who was not involved in the research. It's really important work. We know there are adverse health effects but they were previously unknown. Now, they're starting to come out. I think this will motivate us to find alternatives to these chemicals or try and limit our exposure. They were able to show that long-term PFOA treatment increases TGF-beta1 production in mice through a previously unknown pathway, says Raudsepp. That makes me wonder what else might be happening with other genes. Maybe this isn't just a liver cancer risk; maybe it affects other organs too. Maybe we need to take another look at some of those risks in light of this new information.
I've always felt safe using these chemicals, thinking that if anything bad happened, someone would tell me about it. But now I'm wondering if maybe people aren't looking closely enough or taking care when they should be? And maybe companies aren't sharing information about their products like they should?
This scares me because now I feel like no matter how careful I am--no matter how much research I do--there's still something waiting for me around the corner that could hurt my family without my even knowing about it. Especially with such close ties to breast cancer, this seems like yet another thing we need to worry about.
Authorities call for more research on its implications
A new study has found a shocking link between cancer and a synthetic forever chemical known as PFAS. The study, which was conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), found that exposure to PFAS could increase the risk of liver cancer by up to five times. There are no federal guidelines for safe levels of PFAS in drinking water, and their presence is widespread in the environment because they have been widely used in household products like Teflon pans and carpets since the 1950s. They're also present in firefighting foam and other industrial compounds. Experts from the NIEHS called for more research on the implications of this discovery so that more steps can be taken to protect public health. Meanwhile, some researchers believe there may be factors at play besides PFAS exposure contributing to an increased risk of liver cancer. The NIEHS researchers analyzed data from people who drank tap water with high levels of PFAS over a period of time ranging from six months to 18 years, according to CNBC News. And after tracking participants for 12 years on average, they saw a five-fold increased incidence among those with higher levels of PFAS in their blood compared with those who had lower concentrations or none at all. This paper does show that we should worry about these chemicals, lead author Thomas Zoeller told NBC News. They shouldn't be part of our everyday life. Even though these findings seem alarming, it's not yet clear how much PFAS might increase the risk of cancer—or what types might be involved. For now, experts say one thing is clear: We need more research on the topic before we know exactly what risks PFAS poses to human health and what preventive measures need to be taken. But don't wait to take precautions if you think you might be exposed. Here are ways you can reduce your contact with them
The synthetic forever chemical found widely in the environment linked to liver cancer
According to a new study, the synthetic forever chemical known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) may be linked to liver cancer. The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School, is the first to find a direct link between PFAS exposure and cancer. In their research, the scientists found that people with high levels of PFAS in their blood were twice as likely to develop liver cancer than those with lower levels. The findings come after previous studies have suggested links between PFAS and other cancers, including prostate cancer. This is an urgent public health issue because of the potential for lifelong human health effects, said lead author Philippe Grandjean. These persistent pollutants accumulate in humans and animals, are present in food chains worldwide, and contaminate drinking water supplies. They originate from everyday products such as pizza boxes, non-stick cookware, clothing or furniture upholstery. As well as being linked to cancer risk, there are also concerns about how these chemicals could affect fetal development or interfere with hormone production. There's still much more work to do before we fully understand the environmental implications of these compounds - and what steps need to be taken next - but this is a major step forward in our understanding of how they might harm us. The authors hope that their research will inform international policy on PFAS and encourage additional investigations into possible health impacts. It’s time to stop looking at this group of chemicals as if they only have benefits and start thinking about the risks too, says Philippe Grandjean. The magnitude of health risks associated with these substances is yet unknown, he adds. We can't say we're 100% safe until we know exactly what the hazards are. Although many countries regulate PFAS in drinking water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not set standards for its concentration. Some countries have begun to phase out use of some types of PFAS compounds; since 2002 Sweden has banned them from cosmetics and textiles and phased out their use in firefighting foam. Earlier this year Canada added PFAS to list of toxic substances subject to reporting under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. And just last month three separate manufacturers agreed to stop producing one type of PFAS compound, PFOA, following a lawsuit filed by Washington state against six companies over contamination from their plant in Tacoma.
More studies needed before calling it outright harmful
A new study has found a link between a synthetic forever chemical and liver cancer, but more research is needed before calling it outright harmful. The chemical, known as PFAS, is used in a variety of products and has been found in high levels in the environment. While the study's findings are concerning, they do not necessarily mean that PFAS is the cause of liver cancer. More research is needed to determine whether there is a causal link between the two. In the meantime, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with exposure to this chemical. Avoiding consuming food or water contaminated by PFAS is a good first step for those concerned about their health. It may also be worth considering purchasing filters for water systems or home drinking fountains, which can reduce the amount of PFAS in your drinking water. These measures can also help to protect you from any other contaminants found in tap water, like lead or arsenic. You should talk to your doctor if you have concerns about contamination from PFAS. Talk to your local government officials about investing in initiatives aimed at reducing PFAS production. Get involved in efforts to encourage manufacturers to use safer alternatives. And remember: while the findings of this study are troubling, they don't automatically make PFAS harmful. We need more research to figure out whether there is a connection between PFAS and liver cancer. For now, avoiding contact with PFAS-contaminated foods and water would be wise. If you're worried about your health, talk to your doctor. Your city might even want to consider investing in initiatives designed specifically to reduce the production of these chemicals. You could also get involved in encouraging companies to change how they manufacture their products so that they don't contain PFAS anymore - let's take care of ourselves!
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