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Forever chemicals can penetrate skin
So called ‘Forever chemicals’ or PFAS can penetrate the skin new research has found, suggesting a new pathway for this vast group of chemicals to enter into the bloodstream.
PFAS are a large group of 9,000 chemical substances which have a carbon- fluorine bond that is extremely hard to break. They persist for a long time, so they are known as ‘forever chemicals’. PFAS are widely considered to be an endocrine disrupting group of chemicals because of their ability to mimic the actions of the hormonal and endocrine systems, especially at sensitive periods of development.
PFAS have already been detected in urine, blood, and breast milk, so this is the first study to prove these chemicals can penetrate the skin’s barrier. Until now the main routes for PFAS to enter the body have been identified as eating, drinking, and inhalation of PFAS dust particles that break away from everyday items.
This study applied 3D human skin equivalent (3D-HSE) models to help researchers understand how PFAS chemicals penetrate the skin. They investigated how readily 17 different types of PFAS could be absorbed by skin. Their results showed that PFAS substances with the longest chains of carbon particles were absorbed at the lowest rates. It is the tough bonds of these chemical chains that make it almost impossible for PFAS substances to be broken down, which is how they get their name.
They discovered that one substance type, PFPeA, (which has a shorter chain) was absorbed by skin by nearly 60%, whilst others could still be detected 36 hours after exposure. This adds weight to concerns that PFASs can be retained by the body, creating a body burden. An earlier study of sunscreen estimated that it might take as long as 1.5 years to remove some types of PFAS.
Where are PFAS found?
PFAS are widely used as a surfactant in thousands of everyday products including food packaging, cosmetics, textiles, and paints. PFAS are widely used in clothing production to give stain and water resistance, in items such as waterproof clothing and shoes, and even school uniform and other children’s clothing. PFAS has also been detected in wastewater contaminated by toilet tissue.
PFAS are detectable in our rivers and have been detected in drinking water and bottled water. The strength of the chemical bonds makes it hard to remove PFAS from water; it relies on a high intensity of heat and energy to break the bonds, up until now were thought to be indestructible. But the race is on for scientists and engineers to break the “unbreakable bonds” of PFAS in new so-called ‘destruction technologies’ that could break the bonds currently thought to last forever. PFAS can be removed by mixing water and hot air under high pressure and heat, with trials underway in the US with promising results.
Health concerns about PFAS
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is widely thought to have some carcinogenic effects. Carcinogens act on the body by attacking the immune system and inflaming body tissue which can lead to the development of diseases. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a wide range of serious health conditions including cancer, lowered immune system response to vaccine, and lower birth weights. People with the highest levels of PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) detected in plasma samples were 4.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with liver cancer in later life. PFAS might also be a factor contributing to cardiovascular disease risk in mid-life women.
Can PFAS be avoided?
PFAS are almost impossible to avoid, but you can steer clear of products where they are used in production processes, such as cosmetics and plastic food and drink containers.
- Remove all plastic packaging from foods before heating and transfer them to glass or metal cookware.
- Swap non-stick pans and cookware for stainless steel, glass, or cast iron to ensure they are PFAS free.
- If you prefer to use non stick cookware use non metal utensils, and replace if there are any surface scratches.
- Filtering water is also advisable, but not all water filters can remove synthetic chemicals. Choose a system that uses reverse osmosis or activated carbon, they have been shown to remove PFAS from water supplies more effectively.
- Sports and waterproof clothing are also a potential source of PFAS exposure where they are used to add stain and water resistance. If possible, avoid direct skin contact and wear an organic cotton, silk, or bamboo under layer.
- To help your body to expel synthetic chemicals, eat a healthy organic diet and take regular exercise that raises your heart rate. Both could help the liver to detox more efficiently and remove harmful chemicals from your body.
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