Title: Study Suggests ‘Forever Chemicals’ Increase Risk of Thyroid Cancer
In a recent study conducted by doctors from Mount Sinai hospital in New York, it has been found that exposure to certain ‘forever chemicals’ may significantly increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. The study examined the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ in patients with thyroid cancer.
The researchers discovered that individuals with thyroid cancer were 56 percent more likely to have elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in their system. PFAS are notoriously difficult for the body to break down and have been widely used in various everyday products since the 1940s.
Of particular concern was the specific chemical studied, known as n-PFOS, which is commonly used as a stain repellant in clothing and carpeting, as well as a grease-resistant coating for food packaging. The study revealed that PFAS chemicals can disrupt the function of the endocrine system, including the thyroid gland.
PFAS can enter the body through contaminated food and water, as well as inhalation of polluted air. This study from Mount Sinai adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the suspected links between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer.
As thyroid cancers have become increasingly prevalent, with a staggering 240 percent increase between 1973 and 2002, improving diagnostic abilities have been the leading explanation for this alarming rise. However, this new research sheds light on the potential role of PFAS chemicals in contributing to this upward trend.
The study analyzed blood samples from 88 adults diagnosed with thyroid cancer and 88 healthy individuals between 2008 and 2021. The results demonstrated that with every doubling of n-PFOS levels in the blood, the risk of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer increased by 56 percent.
PFAS chemicals have been extensively used in various products since the early 20th century, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and food packaging. Widespread contamination of drinking water supplies across the United States has been reported due to runoff from chemical production plants and pesticide use.
Concerns about the toxicity of PFAS chemicals were first raised as early as the 1960s. However, companies such as DuPont and 3M failed to disclose this crucial information to the public, drawing comparisons to the actions of big tobacco companies and their denial of health risks associated with smoking.
The persistence of PFAS chemicals is particularly troubling, with almost five years required for PFOS levels to reduce by half in the bloodstream and over three years for PFOA levels. Moreover, these chemicals do not break down in the environment and can contaminate drinking water sources.
Shockingly, an estimated 97 percent of Americans have PFAS chemicals in their blood, highlighting the urgency for industry changes to eliminate these harmful substances and protect public health.
As the findings from Mount Sinai’s study continue to emphasize the links between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer, it is becoming increasingly clear that urgent action is required to safeguard individuals from the potentially devastating effects of ‘forever chemicals’ on their health and well-being.
