A study conducted by scientists at the University of Bergen found that one in five children has blood levels of “everlasting chemicals” that exceed the safe limit. PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in a variety of consumer products, including clothing, cosmetics, paints and nonstick cookware. Because of their high resistance to degradation, some PFASs accumulate in nature, food, and the human body.
PFASs can lead to negative health effects. The European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2020 adopted the maximum concentration of PFAS in the blood of children at which there is no reduction in vaccine effectiveness as the maximum allowable level. However, the levels of PFAS in children found in the Bergen study exceeded this limit in 22% of children.
PFAS can cause decreased response to vaccines in children, decreased birth weight, and some cancers. In addition, PFAS can accumulate in the human body and lead to future health problems.
What you need to know about “everlasting chemicals:
– PFASs are found in a variety of consumer products, including clothing, cosmetics, paints and nonstick cookware.
– PFASs are highly resistant to degradation and can accumulate in nature, food, and the human body.
– PFASs can lead to decreased response to vaccines in children, low birth weight and some cancers.
– Levels of PFAS in children’s blood should not exceed the limit set by the European Food Safety Agency.
– To reduce the risk of PFAS accumulation in the body, it is recommended to limit consumption of contaminated food and drinking water, and to avoid the use of PFAS-containing products.
