2023-10-25 11:46:18
Thyroid cancer has been increasing globally in recent years. In addition to being related to over-diagnosis, American studies have also found that almost everyone now has permanent chemicals (PFAS) in their blood, and certain types of permanent chemicals can increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer is increasing globally, and scientists believe exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a potential risk factor worthy of investigation. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent EDCs that are ubiquitous in the environment. There are tens of thousands of PFAS types, and many are common ingredients in household products such as non-stick pans, cosmetics and waterproof clothing.
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PFAS persists in humans and the environment for a long time, and scientists have linked the toxins to a variety of diseases, including thyroid disease, testicular cancer, and kidney cancer. The U.S. government estimates that almost all Americans have some level of PFAS in their blood. From 1974 to 2013, thyroid cancer cases in the United States increased by an average of 3.6% per year. China, Italy, and Turkey have also seen similar increases.
Researchers wanted to know the connection, and a study in the Lancet journal series eBioMedicine confirmed a link between thyroid cancer diagnoses and PFAS. Researchers found 88 thyroid cancer patients, collected plasma PFAS values, and compared them with non-cancer controls. They found that exposure to PFOS, one of the PFAS types, increased the risk of thyroid cancer diagnosis by 56%. Several other PFAS compounds, PFNA, PFOPA, and PFHxS, have similar associations.
Researchers say the link between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer risk has strong biological plausibility due to the ability of PFAS to interfere with processes such as gene function, immune suppression, inflammation, metabolism and hormonal activity.
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Exposure to PFAS is a global problem, as the compounds are ubiquitous and it is almost impossible to avoid PFAS in daily activities, but it emphasizes the need for the public to be more aware of the seriousness of the compounds.
Asian Americans highest for PFAS
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, tested the blood and urine of more than 3,000 Americans and found that Asian Americans had an average of 89% higher levels of PFAS. The reason is still unclear, but the report believes that it may be related to cultural factors such as diet. Researchers believe that the PFAS content in freshwater fish seems to be too high. Because they live in polluted water sources, people whose diet is high in seafood usually have higher PFAS levels. , Asian Americans eat more seafood than other races.
Another possible factor is immigration history. Different countries use different PFAS and have different regulations. You may have been exposed to high levels of PFAS contamination before coming to the United States.
To reduce exposure to PFAS, experts recommend avoiding nonstick pots and pans, even if they claim to be PFA/PFOA-free, because the product may simply replace PFOA with another PFAS. Stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans are a safer option. Try to use metal or glass containers for food and leftovers, avoid microwaveable popcorn bags, avoid stain-resistant coatings on furniture, and avoid outdoor clothing made from fabrics like Scotchgard and Gore-Tex.
(First image source: Flickr/James Lee CC BY 2.0)
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