Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been under scrutiny due to their link to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and fertility problems. These chemicals, commonly found in consumer products, accumulate in the body and take a long time to break down. In a recent study by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the relationship between PFAS levels in the blood and factors like drinking water quality, food access, and industrial pollution was investigated.
The study, which involved 446 residents in Southern California, focused on how neighborhood factors could impact PFAS levels. The researchers found that living in areas with low food access, water districts contaminated with PFAS, or near PFAS-polluting facilities or Superfund sites was associated with higher blood levels of these substances. This study, published in the journal Environmental Research, sheds light on the importance of considering neighborhood environments in addressing PFAS-related health disparities.
One of the key findings was the significant impact of drinking water contamination on PFAS levels. Residents in areas with PFOS, PFOA, or PFHxS in their drinking water showed higher levels of these substances in their blood compared to those in uncontaminated areas. Additionally, low food access was linked to elevated PFAS levels, likely due to increased consumption of packaged foods containing these chemicals.
Living near industrial sites processing PFAS or Superfund sites also correlated with higher blood levels of PFAS. The researchers highlighted the need for increased awareness of PFAS risks, especially in communities where water contamination is prevalent. The Keck School of Medicine has initiated community engagement efforts to educate residents in high-risk areas about the potential health implications of PFAS exposure.
With new EPA regulations in place to address PFAS contamination, including listing these chemicals as hazardous substances and regulating their levels in public drinking water, steps are being taken to mitigate the risks associated with PFAS exposure. Future research will focus on exploring PFAS exposure near chrome plating facilities, which use these chemicals in their manufacturing processes.
Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering neighborhood factors in understanding and addressing health disparities related to PFAS exposure. By raising awareness and implementing targeted interventions, communities can work towards reducing the health risks associated with these persistent chemicals.
