Forever chemicals, also known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of man-made chemicals that are used in a variety of products because of their ability to repel oil, water, and stains. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time.
There are a number of dangers associated with exposure to forever chemicals. Some of the potential health effects of PFAS include:
- Increased risk of cancer: Some studies have suggested that exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including testicular, kidney, and pancreatic cancer.
- Harm to the immune system: PFAS have been shown to impair the immune system and interfere with the body's ability to produce antibodies.
- Developmental and reproductive problems: PFAS have been linked to developmental problems in infants and children, including low birth weight and reduced fertility in women.
- Thyroid hormone disruption: PFAS have been shown to disrupt the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, which can lead to problems with metabolism and energy levels.
- Other health effects: Other potential health effects of PFAS exposure include liver damage, high cholesterol, and decreased effectiveness of vaccines.
It is important to note that the extent of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure is still being studied, and more research is needed to understand the full range of potential effects on human health.
My personal prediction is that this will be like leaded gasoline all over again, but much much worse. We're already seeing these chemicals in drinking water all over the globel, in concentrations above limits deemed "safe".
There are a number of dangers associated with exposure to forever chemicals. Some of the potential health effects of PFAS include:
- Increased risk of cancer: Some studies have suggested that exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including testicular, kidney, and pancreatic cancer.
- Harm to the immune system: PFAS have been shown to impair the immune system and interfere with the body's ability to produce antibodies.
- Developmental and reproductive problems: PFAS have been linked to developmental problems in infants and children, including low birth weight and reduced fertility in women.
- Thyroid hormone disruption: PFAS have been shown to disrupt the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, which can lead to problems with metabolism and energy levels.
- Other health effects: Other potential health effects of PFAS exposure include liver damage, high cholesterol, and decreased effectiveness of vaccines.
It is important to note that the extent of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure is still being studied, and more research is needed to understand the full range of potential effects on human health.
My personal prediction is that this will be like leaded gasoline all over again, but much much worse. We're already seeing these chemicals in drinking water all over the globel, in concentrations above limits deemed "safe".