Researchers from the University of Southern California found that the presence of PFAS (man-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds) in human blood alters the body’s metabolism and disrupts the thyroid gland, leading to various diseases. The results of the research have been published magazine Environmental Health Perspectives.
PFAS is a type of plastic used to make containers, plate covers, candy wrappers, paint brushes and more. They are very stable, which somehow makes them difficult to recycle.
As part of their study, the authors took a sample from approximately 450 adolescent participants whose blood samples were taken. All participants had several different types of PFAS in their blood. Scientists say some types of this plastic increase the risk of various types of diseases, such as cancer or cardiovascular disease.
In addition, experts emphasized that the presence of PFAS also disrupts lipid and amino acid metabolism in the body and changes the function of thyroid hormones. It can disrupt a person’s puberty.
In future studies, the team will continue to explore the effects of PFAS on the human body.