The Keck School of Medicine of USC has recently conducted groundbreaking research that sheds light on the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and cancer incidence. The study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, is the first of its kind to explore this connection in the United States.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly found in consumer products such as furniture and food packaging. Alarmingly, approximately 45% of drinking water supplies in the US are contaminated with PFAS. These chemicals are known to accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to a variety of health issues, including kidney, breast, and testicular cancers.
To delve deeper into the link between PFAS exposure and cancer risk, researchers at the Keck School of Medicine conducted an ecological study using large datasets. The study revealed that counties with PFAS-contaminated drinking water experienced a higher incidence of certain types of cancer, with the increase ranging from 2% to 33%. Overall, it is estimated that PFAS in drinking water contribute to over 6,800 cancer cases annually in the US.
Lead researcher Dr. Shiwen (Sherlock) Li emphasized the need for further research to explore individual links between PFAS and specific types of cancer. The findings also underscore the importance of regulating PFAS levels in drinking water. While the EPA is set to monitor six types of PFAS starting in 2029, stricter limits may be necessary to safeguard public health.
The study compared comprehensive datasets on cancer cases and PFAS levels in drinking water across the country. Factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, smoking rates, and urbanicity were taken into account to control for potential confounders. Counties exceeding recommended PFAS levels in drinking water showed a higher incidence of digestive, endocrine, respiratory, urinary system, brain, and soft tissue cancers.
The research highlights the urgent need for stricter regulation of PFAS and the monitoring of lesser-studied types of these chemicals. By understanding the impact of PFAS on cancer incidence, policymakers can take necessary steps to protect public health.
This study is part of a collaboration between the Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Keck School of Medicine. The findings provide crucial insights into the association between PFAS exposure and rare cancers, paving the way for future research and regulatory action.
