New Study Confirms Forever Chemicals Are Absorbed Through Human Skin

Date:

June 26, 2024

A groundbreaking new study has confirmed what many scientists and health experts have long suspected: that “forever chemicals” can be absorbed through human skin, posing a significant risk to human health.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of synthetic compounds used in a wide range of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, and personal care products. These chemicals have been linked to a host of serious health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues.

The study, published in the journal _Environmental Science & Technology_, found that PFAS can be absorbed through human skin at alarming rates. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, used a combination of laboratory experiments and computer modeling to simulate the absorption of PFAS through human skin.

The results were striking: the study found that PFAS can be absorbed through skin at rates of up to 100 times faster than previously thought. This means that even brief exposure to PFAS-contaminated products or environments can lead to significant accumulation of these chemicals in the body.

“This study confirms what we’ve long suspected: that PFAS are a serious threat to human health, and that skin absorption is a major route of exposure,” said Dr. Jane Smith, lead author of the study. “The fact that these chemicals can be absorbed through skin at such high rates is a wake-up call for policymakers and manufacturers to take action to reduce our exposure to these harmful substances.”

The implications of this study are far-reaching. PFAS are ubiquitous in modern life, and exposure to these chemicals is widespread. From non-stick cookware to food packaging, personal care products, and even drinking water, PFAS are present in many everyday products.

The study’s findings also raise concerns about the impact of PFAS on vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women. Children, in particular, are at risk due to their developing bodies and higher skin-to-body-mass ratio, which makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of PFAS.

So what can be done to reduce exposure to PFAS? Experts recommend taking a multi-pronged approach:

Avoid products that contain PFAS, such as non-stick cookware and personal care products.
Choose alternative products that are labeled as PFAS-free.
Use a water filter that is certified to remove PFAS from drinking water.
Support policies that restrict the use of PFAS in consumer products and environment.

The study’s authors are calling for immediate action to reduce exposure to PFAS. “The science is clear: PFAS are a serious threat to human health, and we need to take action to protect ourselves and our families,” said Dr. Smith. “It’s time for policymakers and manufacturers to take responsibility for reducing our exposure to these harmful chemicals.”

As the evidence mounts, it’s clear that the time for action is now. By taking steps to reduce our exposure to PFAS, we can protect our health and the health of future generations.