A newly released study led by researchers from Emory University‘s Rollins School of Public Health was one of the first to find an emerging class of “forever chemicals” in the homes, drinking water and bodies of United States residents.
Key takeaways
- More than 300 samples from the homes, drinking water and blood and urine of 81 participants were studied.
- Elevated levels of ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS were found in most household dust samples, drinking water and participants’ blood and urine.
- The levels of ultrashort PFAS found in household dust and drinking water were several times greater than the levels of legacy PFAS. In serum samples, the levels were either higher or comparable.
- Scientists do not yet know the source of these compounds. They also do not know their potential impact on the health of humans and/or the environment. There is also not enough information yet on what precautions people can take to reduce their exposure.
Summary of research findings
There are thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” Scientists only have sufficient data on the potential human health impacts of a relative handful of these artificial chemical compounds. Most existing research has focused on legacy and longer-chain PFAS. The most common types include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). They have been found to be toxic and have been banned for many years.
An Emory-led study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that an emerging class of ultrashort-” and short-chain PFAS are now being found in elevated levels in U.S. residents, as well as their homes and water supplies. Ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS have fewer carbons and are more mobile, particularly in water, than legacy PFAS. They are meant to serve as replacements for the already banned PFAS compounds.
Little is known about these newer compounds’ sources and potential health impacts. The researchers say the extent of ultrashort PFAS exposure discovered highlights the urgent need for more research and risk assessments.
What the experts said
Amina Salamova, PhD, study co-author and assistant professor in the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health:
“These results were very concerning, especially considering the concentration of these compounds we found were much higher concentrations than those of legacy PFAS. It is essential to investigate these compounds’ toxicity and health effects. They are also more mobile which means they can get transported to remote areas. This can increase the risk of exposure.”
Stephanie Eick, PhD, study co-author and assistant professor of environmental health and epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health:
“The biggest takeaway is that these new, short-chain PFAS – which have not received much attention yet – are everywhere. These chemicals also haven’t even been considered as potential public health problems yet, but they are highly prevalent in people and dust samples from our homes.”
Related Articles:
- New understanding of PFOA in forever chemicals
- Australia must fast-track and expand PFAS ban
- Ultrasound could get rid of forever chemicals like PFAS