Several “forever chemicals” found nearly everywhere in our day-to-day lives have been linked to thyroid cancer, new research has found.
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment, have been associated with a 56 percent increased risk of thyroid cancer diagnosis.
This is according to new research published in the journal eBioMedicine.
These PFAS chemicals have a strong carbon-fluorine bond, which prevents them from easily being broken down in the environment, allowing them to persist for many years.
As these “forever chemicals” have been used in a wide range of products, including nonstick cookware, food packaging, water-repellent clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics, PFAS chemicals can be found in drinking water, household dust, and even inside human blood.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City have quantified a link between the PFAS chemical perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (n-PFOS) and thyroid cancer risk.
Other PFAS chemicals are found in abundance in our daily lives, being discovered in menstrual products and clothing.
High levels of certain other PFAS have been previously found to be associated with increased blood cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced immunity, and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney or testicular, according to the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Source: Ghana/ Max TV/ Max FM/ Max.com.gh/ Princess Sandra Richardson
