PFAS chemicals in the blood have been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to researchers at DZNE – German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases. The study, which involved more than 2,500 adults from Bonn and the Dutch municipality of Leiderdorp, found that traces of PFAS chemicals in human blood are associated with unfavorable lipid profiles, indicating a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds, have been widely used since their invention in the 1950s. These chemicals are found in numerous products such as cosmetics, dental floss, pan coatings, and fire-extinguishing foam due to their water, fat, and dirt-repellent properties. Despite their widespread use, PFAS are nearly non-degradable and can enter the human food chain, particularly through groundwater.
The study revealed that even relatively low concentrations of PFAS in the blood are linked to unfavorable blood lipid profiles, indicating a higher cardiovascular risk. Prof. Dr. Monique Breteler, Director of Population Health Sciences at DZNE, emphasized that younger subjects showed more pronounced negative effects at the same PFAS concentration in the blood compared to older individuals.
The researchers highlighted the need for stricter regulation of PFAS to protect public health, citing the strong correlation between PFAS in the blood and harmful blood lipids associated with cardiovascular risk. Although the study does not provide definitive evidence that PFAS chemicals cause unfavorable blood lipid profiles, the close correlation supports this suspicion.
Notably, PFAS were detectable in the blood of almost all test subjects, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the heart and cardiovascular system. Despite the absence of immediate health threats for the study participants, the researchers stressed the potential negative consequences in the long term.
The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing debate on the health effects of PFAS, underscoring the need for further research and stricter regulations to mitigate potential risks associated with these widely used chemicals.
