2023-06-10 20:00:04
PFAS – which includes PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are a class of synthetic chemicals, used and present in household products, kitchen utensils and food packaging but also hygiene and care products, such as shampoos , dental floss or even cosmetics. Thus, “everyone” is regularly and long-term exposed to PFAS and it is estimated that more than two thirds of the inhabitants of rich countries are exposed to them. These compounds are also found at very high levels in freshwater fish.
Indeed, these so-called “eternal” chemicals – because they never degrade in the environment – contaminate drinking water, soil, air, food and many consumer and everyday products.
Even at low levels in the blood, PFAS can cause adverse health effects including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia. These compounds have already been documented as harmful, if ingested or inhaled and also harmful to the fetus and breastfed babies.
The study shows that in utero exposure to PFAS is linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and an increased risk of obesity in children.
This link had already been suggested by previous research, and is confirmed by the analysis of this large set of data, multi-site and from no less than 8 cohorts with different demographic characteristics. The conclusions of the study are thus defined as largely generalizable to the general population.
Conducted as part of the ECHO program supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which aims to clarify the effects of a wide range of early environmental factors on child health and development, this analysis of data from 1,391 children aged 2 to 5 years and their mothers whose levels of 7 PFAS in blood samples taken from mothers during pregnancy, children’s BMIs, reveals that:
- higher levels of PFAS in the mother’s blood during pregnancy are linked to a slightly higher BMI;
- this increased risk of obesity is observed identically in boys and girls.
- these associations are observed even at low levels of PFAS exposure.
The main author Joseph Braun, professor of epidemiology recalls that “While PFAS exposure levels have changed over time, with some manufacturers voluntarily eliminating their use, their persistence in the environment is still relevant. Associations are identified, even at relatively low levels:
pregnant women today may still be at risk,
and their children as well.
The researchers hope that this data will help to better understand the risks associated with PFAS, influence environmental policy and take the necessary measures to protect the most vulnerable.
The study will continue, with monitoring of BMI and obesity in older exposed children.
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