Recent findings indicate that ‘forever chemicals’ are alarmingly pervasive, detected in 98.8 percent of 10,566 blood samples analyzed in a recent study conducted in the US.
These substances, known scientifically as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), include over 15,000 variants recognized by toxicologists. The ‘forever’ label comes from their resistance to degradation and their enduring presence in the environment.
PFAS have been widely used in various manufacturing processes for several decades, resulting in their infiltration into our food, water sources, and ecological systems.
Previous research has shown that these chemicals can enter the human body. This latest analysis by researchers from NMS Labs, a toxicology lab in the US, aimed to explore the different combinations of PFAS present in our blood.
The data stemmed from 10,566 serum and plasma samples sent to NMS Labs in Pennsylvania for PFAS testing.
According to toxicologist Laura Labay from NMS Labs, “This large dataset provides a real-world snapshot of how multiple PFAS commonly occur together in people.”
The study doesn’t clarify if multiple samples came from the same individuals, but it represents a significant portion of the US population, leveraging existing PFAS testing frameworks.
Labay adds, “By identifying these shared exposure patterns, the study offers a greater understanding of what widespread, combined PFAS exposure may mean for human health.”
Interestingly, only 0.18 percent of the samples contained a single PFAS chemical, highlighting that most samples had a mix of several PFAS compounds.
“Evaluating chemical mixtures is critical when assessing biological effects because of potential additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions,” Labay and fellow toxicologist Lee Blum noted in their publication.
Common PFAS were found in the majority of the blood samples. For instance, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), used in textiles and furniture, was detected in 97.9 percent of the samples.
There are health concerns tied to PFHxS, including possible liver and immune system effects seen in animal studies. This has led to restrictions or bans in various countries, yet damage may have already occurred.
It’s likely that most people have encountered a variety of PFAS, as researchers continue to investigate their cumulative effects.
Labay emphasizes, “These findings reinforce that PFAS exposure rarely occurs as isolated compounds.”
“Instead, individuals typically carry body burdens comprising five or more PFAS with differing bioaccumulation properties and half-lives.”
The analysis primarily focused on 13 of the most prevalent PFAS, suggesting the findings might underestimate the overall chemical exposure.
It’s important to note that this study did not measure the levels of PFAS—only their detection through mass spectrometry.
How much exposure to these chemicals is harmful remains unclear. Much of what is known comes from studies involving cells and animals, along with observational research, though evidence is accumulating.
Links have been made between PFAS and issues like accelerated cellular aging, brain changes in children, and an increased risk of certain cancers, although a direct causation has not been established.
The challenge lies in the usefulness of PFAS. They offer protection against water, heat, and oil, which also means they’re incredibly persistent in the environment.
Regulatory bodies acknowledge the potential dangers, yet implementing bans, finding safe alternatives, or removing PFAS from the environment is complex, though not entirely unfeasible.
What is clear from these findings is the widespread nature of PFAS and the various potentially harmful combinations present, with over 70 unique PFAS combinations identified across the testing panels.
Labay concludes, “We hope these findings will help inform future risk-assessment efforts, guide research on harmful PFAS mixtures, and ultimately support clearer clinical and public-health guidance.”
This research has been published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.
