Research Finds Connection Between PFAS Exposures and Cancer in Women

A new study has uncovered an important finding regarding potential health risks from certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Known as PFAS, these man-made chemicals are widely used in various consumer products and industrial processes. The research identified statistical associations between detectable PFAS levels in women's blood and increased risks of select cancer types.

This article will go over the specifics of the research findings. It will also discuss their implications for public health and policy concerns related to these persistent pollutants.

PFAS Are Pervasive in Our Environment

PFAS is a category of synthetic substances. They are widely used in products including waterproof clothes, grease-resistant food packaging, and nonstick cookware. They make these products resistant to water, stains, and grease. 

However, these same properties—their chemical structure and stability—mean that PFAS do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. As a result, they accumulate over time and can cause adverse health effects even at extremely low levels of exposure.

Erik D. Olson, a senior director at the NRDC, notes that these man-made compounds have unusual properties that raise concerns. He explains that because PFAS do not degrade naturally, they accumulate over time in water, soil, and living things. Their molecular structure allows PFAS to disperse widely and contaminate remote areas. Furthermore, some studies indicate that even tiny amounts of PFAS can alter the human endocrine system and create other health issues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly all Americans tested positive for PFAS. Their widespread use and persistence mean they contaminate not only consumer goods and indoor environments but also outdoor spaces, water systems, and food sources. Exposure occurs through direct contact with treated products as well as indirectly through contaminated air, water, food, and household dust.

Regulation and restriction of these chemicals have been inadequate. Manufacturers are not required to disclose PFAS use to consumers, and the EPA has regulated only a small subset of the thousands of PFAS. However, momentum is building to curb their proliferation. Some states and retailers have taken steps to ban select PFAS from certain products. 

New Study Links Common Chemicals to Increased Cancer Risk in Women

A major study by researchers at UCSF, USC, and the University of Michigan found associations between exposure to certain PFAS and phenolic compounds.  These exposures are linked with previous cancer diagnoses in women. 

PFAS are commonly found in non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics, and other consumer products. Phenols like bisphenol A (BPA) are used in many plastics and receipts. 

Through their analysis of over 10,000 people in the NHANES study, the researchers identified troubling links. They found that higher levels of several of these chemicals in the blood and urine were associated with certain cancers. The findings were particularly concerning for several long-chain PFAS chemicals, such as PFDE, PFNA, and PFUA. 

Women with higher exposures to these chemicals showed double the odds of a previous melanoma skin cancer diagnosis compared to those with lower levels. PFNA exposure was also correlated with an increased risk of prior uterine cancer.

Exposure to phenolic compounds like BPA and 2,5-dichlorophenol were linked to raising women's odds of past ovarian cancer. The scientists believe these chemicals may disrupt hormone functioning, a pathway tied to breast, uterine and ovarian cancers.

Some racial disparities emerged, too, such as associations of PFAS and phenols with breast cancer only seen in non-white women. The findings point to PFAS and phenols collectively raising cancer risk in females.

Lead author Dr. Amber Cathey called for more research but said, "These PFAS chemicals appear to disrupt hormone function in women." Director of the UCSF EaRTH Center, Dr. Tracey Woodruff, noted this adds to calls for regulating PFAS as a class.

If confirmed, the study suggests common chemicals could be contributing to rising cancer burdens worldwide.

Potential Health Hazards of Firefighting Foam Spark Product Liability Lawsuits

Potential health issues tied to firefighting foams have led to related legal claims. Forbes reported that while these chemicals have been used by firefighters since the 1960s, lawsuits against manufacturers are a more recent phenomenon. A few developments help explain the timing.

Not until 2009 did the EPA publicly comment on the suspected cancer link to these substances, though concerns dated back decades. Before then, most affected individuals were unaware that their exposure could be to blame for illnesses.

Revelations showing that chemical makers like 3M and DuPont knew about possible toxicity as early as the 1960s allow plaintiffs to establish negligence. As per Forbes, this knowledge helps establish liability in injury cases.

The first filing seemed to encourage others, as over 3,000 cases awaited resolution in late 2022. These legal actions target producers rather than fire departments or military branches that apply the products. 

As per TorHoerman Law, a successful lawsuit will thoroughly outline a claimant's exposures, medical documentation of treatment costs and conditions, and other substantiating details.

AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts likely range from $40,000 to $300,000 or more depending on evidence quality and individual circumstances. No resolutions have occurred so far in the ongoing litigation. However, attorneys anticipate awards could reasonably fall within those estimated bounds depending on case merits and variables for each plaintiff.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam Litigation Continues Growing

As of July 2024, there were over 9,500 pending lawsuits concerning aqueous film-forming foam in a multi-district litigation in South Carolina federal court, reports ConsumerNotice. Designated MDL 2873, the consolidated case handles claims from multiple states and water suppliers seeking costs to remove related chemicals from drinking water supplies.

The total number of legal actions is expected to rise as additional municipalities and individuals pursue health-related claims against manufacturers like 3M. Worldwide, more individual and class action cases at both the multidistrict and separate court levels continue to mount.

FAQs

1. Can PFAS affect fertility?

A: A recent study by NIH suggests a potential link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and decreased fertility in women. Research conducted by a prominent environmental health center indicates that PFAS exposure might significantly reduce a woman's ability to conceive.

2. Are PFAS present in feminine hygiene products?

A: Laboratory tests carried out over a two-year period revealed the presence of PFAS in various feminine hygiene products. The analysis found these substances in nearly half of the examined pads and liners, about a fifth of tampons, and most menstrual underwear products.

3. How can one minimize PFAS exposure?

A: To reduce PFAS exposure, consider decreasing the consumption of fast food and microwaveable popcorn. You can also limit the use of food delivery services and replace non-stick cookware with alternatives like stainless steel or cast iron pans.

This study helps further illuminate the public health risks of ubiquitous PFAS and phenolic chemicals. While much more research is still needed, the findings suggest certain common compounds may contribute to the development of women's cancers. 

As lawsuits and regulations progress, it remains imperative that consumers and governments gain a fuller understanding of pervasive environmental contaminants. This understanding is crucial to uncovering their links to illness. Many people worldwide are exposed to these contaminants. Continued investigation could aid preventative efforts. It could also help shape policies protecting communities from toxic exposures in our everyday products and surroundings.