by Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that have become pervasive in our environment. These highly persistent compounds, with over 4,700 fluorinated substances, are used in various consumer products due to their durability, heat resistance, and water-repellent properties. However, their extensive application has resulted in widespread contamination, with PFAS found from the highest peak of Mount Everest to the depths of ocean trenches.
A recent review published in the journal Science of The Total Environment delves into the sources and impact of PFAS. The review highlights the global footprint of PFAS, their bioaccumulation in plants and animals, and the potential health risks associated with exposure. The liver, in particular, has been identified as a site where PFAS can accumulate and cause hepatotoxicity, leading to chronic liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD), hepatic fibrosis, and liver cancer.
PFAS contamination is not limited to a particular region or ecosystem. Studies have found these chemicals in the tropics, the Arctic and Antarctic Poles, and everywhere in between. PFAS enter the environment through various pathways, including industry wastewater, wastewater treatment plants, and aqueous film-forming foams used in firefighting. These contaminants can then be taken up by plants, aquatic organisms, and livestock, eventually making their way into the human diet through trophic transfer.
Food packaging and nonstick cookware are major sources of PFAS exposure. These materials can release PFAS into food, especially in acidic or fatty conditions. PFAS have been detected in fruits, vegetables, livestock, and processed foods, with seafood being a significant contributor to dietary PFAS intake. The migration of PFAS from packaging and cookware to food is a primary concern for processed foods.
Humans are exposed to PFAS through various routes, including inhalation, dermal contact, and dietary intake. Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between higher serum PFAS concentrations and the consumption of fish and shellfish. Firefighters and workers in fluorine-chemical industries have a higher risk of exposure due to their proximity to PFAS-secreting substances.
The review also discusses the biological pathways of PFAS toxicity. In vivo studies using murine models have demonstrated that PFAS have a strong affinity for fatty-acid binding proteins in the liver, resulting in the accumulation of these substances in liver tissue. The biochemical stability of PFAS, with their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, prevents their metabolism in the body, leading to their persistence and bioaccumulation.
While efforts have been made to reduce the use of legacy PFAS, such as those with long carbon chains, emerging short-chain PFAS have started to replace them. These new PFAS have raised concerns about their environmental and health impacts, with studies linking them to adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is crucial to continue research on PFAS to understand their full effects on human health and to develop strategies to mitigate their presence in the environment.
In conclusion, the review highlights the alarming reach of PFAS, from the highest mountain peaks to our own livers. These persistent chemicals pose significant risks to human health, particularly the liver, and their pervasive presence in the environment demands further research and action to minimize exposure and protect our well-being.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
