On August 26, Bevin Blake, a pre-doctoral researcher in the National Toxicology Program’s (NTP) Reproductive Endocrinology Group, spoke about a controversial group of man-made chemicals.
I discussed per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) subjects with local graduate students, early-career scientists, and citizens. A restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina hosted this event as part of a unique event monthly series It aims to communicate science to a wide audience.
Today, more than 4,700 PFAS exist. They are found in many consumer and industrial products, such as food packaging, stain and water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam.
Buyer awareness
Unfortunately, Blake explained, certain chemicals may increase the risk of cancer, low birth weight, a compromised immune system, and high cholesterol levels.
Researchers are concerned that PFAS can remain in humans and the environment for many years. “They are considered chemicals forever because once they get into the environment, they basically never go away,” she said. “This sets them apart from other environmental pollutants because most of the others will eventually degrade.”
Blake pointed to research showing that PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are present in the blood of nearly all Americans. “In fact, we’re detecting these chemicals in the blood of polar bears, and that’s very far from their source,” she added.
On social media, an electronic post announced Blake’s speech. (Image credits to TruSciTalks, Twitter)Many US companies have phased out PFOS and PFOA in recent years, but they are still present in the environment – and many similar alternative chemicals are being created and made available for commercial use.
“We know absolutely nothing about the health effects of replacing PFAS,” Blake said, likening the problem to a Whack-a-Mole game. But policy makers, scientists, and stakeholders have made chemicals a research priority.
Scientists respond
One example Blake shared is a file North Carolina PFAS Test Network, a research partnership whose participants include some NIEHS grantees. They are measuring levels of chemicals in water and air samples in an effort to inform state lawmakers and the public about potential contamination.
She also discussed research conducted by grantee Scott Belcher, Ph.D., at North Carolina State University. His team is studying how exposure to PFAS in animals such as striped bass and crocodiles may shed light on potential risks to human health.
“There’s a wonderful [researchers] in his lab working in the field to sample wildlife and give us a better understanding of the environmental consequences of PFAS.”
Earlier in August, Blake presented a poster of her PFAS research at the North American Division meeting of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw)Nationally, she said, NTP علماء scholars And the NIEHS-funded researchers(https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/pfas/index.cfm) Use a variety of methods to expand knowledge of these complex chemicals. Their pioneering work is receiving significant public attention. But Blake said there was still much to be done.
raising awareness
“this is [problem] It has to do with the point in life at which you are exposed, various socioeconomic factors, genetic diversity, environmental justice issues,” she said. “It turns out that the people most affected are often those at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum.”
Blake suggested that consumers can catalyze positive change by being more aware of the products they buy. “Think of these bigger picture questions: What is essential? What is essential? And what can we live without?”
(Jesse Saffron, JD, is a writer and technical editor in the NIEHS Office of Communications and Public Communications.)
from San Jose News Bulletin https://sjnewsbulletin.com/the-environmental-factor-october-2019-pfas-front-and-center-at-chapel-hill-fellows-talk/
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