Latest news with #PFNA
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cancer-fighting gut bacteria that can absorb forever chemicals in the body discovered by scientists from Cambridge University
In a promising breakthrough, scientists from the University of Cambridge have discovered that certain strains of healthy gut bacteria may help rid the body of toxic 'forever chemicals,' compounds linked to cancer, infertility, and hormonal disorders. These harmful chemicals, officially known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are nearly impossible to break down and have been found to accumulate in human tissues for decades. According to a study published in Nature Microbiology, researchers identified nine strains of human gut bacteria capable of absorbing and flushing out PFAS, potentially reducing their concentration in the body by as much as 74 percent. The findings raise new hope for a microbial-based detox strategy against one of the most persistent health threats in modern environments. Cancer risk from forever chemicals in human body PFAS are man-made chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. Due to their durability, they do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body. Over time, these chemicals accumulate in vital organs and have been linked to serious health conditions, including liver damage, birth defects, hormone disruption, and various cancers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Anne Hegerty And Her Partner, Who You Will Easily Recognize Sport Pirate Undo The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it has sufficient evidence of causing cancer in humans. Another PFAS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), is listed as a Group 2 carcinogen, indicating possible cancer risk in animals. Gut bacteria offer a possible defense To explore how the gut microbiome might influence PFAS detoxification, researchers introduced 38 strains of healthy human gut bacteria into lab mice. Within minutes of PFAS exposure, mice carrying the bacteria showed up to 74 percent more PFAS excreted in stool compared to those without the bacteria. 'We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations,' said Dr. Kiran Patil, senior author and toxicologist at the University of Cambridge, in a statement reported by Daily Mail. 'Due to aggregation of PFAS in clumps inside their cells, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects.' Which bacteria work best? Among the bacteria studied, Odoribacter splanchnicus showed the strongest potential to lower PFAS levels. This microbe produces butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid known to support both metabolism and immune function. Over a 24-hour period, nine strains of bacteria were observed to significantly reduce PFAS levels: PFNA levels dropped by 25 to 74 percent PFOA levels decreased by 23 to 58 percent The research suggests that PFAS latch onto bacterial cells during digestion and are expelled through stool, an elimination route often overlooked in toxicology. Next step: Probiotic supplements The Cambridge team is now developing probiotic supplements aimed at increasing levels of these PFAS-binding bacteria in the human gut. 'The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now,' said Dr. Indra Roux, co-author from the University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit. 'We haven't found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the possibility of developing ways to get them out of our bodies where they do the most harm.' Gut health as a weapon against toxic chemicals Unlike traditional methods that focus on filtering PFAS from water or limiting exposure, this study introduces the possibility of a biological detox method. It also builds on prior research showing that fiber-rich diets can help reduce PFAS levels by promoting the excretion of bile acids, another substance PFAS tends to bind with in the digestive tract. This study is among the first to show that PFAS can be actively removed from the body by natural means, rather than passively accumulating over time. A new approach to an old problem Though the study was conducted on mice, researchers plan to move toward human trials and commercial probiotic solutions. If successful, this approach could transform how we manage toxic chemical exposure, especially for vulnerable populations. This discovery marks an exciting step forward in the battle against environmental contaminants, with gut bacteria offering a powerful new ally in protecting human health.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is it safe to drink rainwater? Scientists reveal the answer
As the monsoon season arrives in India, people across the country begin to store, use, or simply enjoy the rain and the refreshing feel of rainwater. Remember your childhood, standing in the rain with arms wide open, face tilted to the sky, mouth open to catch those cool drops straight from the clouds? It felt pure and magical. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But is rainwater really safe to drink today? Environmental scientists say the answer is more complicated than it seems. While rainwater may look clean, it can contain pollutants like dust, ash, heavy metals from rooftops, or more concerning, invisible 'forever chemicals' that never break down and now appear even in the most remote rainwater samples worldwide. What are PFAS and why are they a concern? According to Dr. Ian Cousins, an environmental scientist at Stockholm University, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and water-repellent fabrics. These chemicals are known as 'forever chemicals' because they do not degrade naturally and persist in the environment for generations. In a global study co-authored by Cousins, Dr. Bo Sha, Dr. Jana H. Johansson, Dr. Martin Scheringer, and Dr. Matthew Salter, PFAS were detected in rainwater from regions as isolated as the Tibetan Plateau and Antarctica. Their findings indicate that due to widespread atmospheric contamination, rainwater across the planet may now contain PFAS levels that exceed safety guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Health risks linked to PFAS exposure Only four PFAS compounds—PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA—have been extensively studied, yet these alone are linked to serious health risks. Dr. Cousins and his team note that elevated exposure to these chemicals has been associated with increased risks of thyroid disease, liver enlargement, high cholesterol, immune suppression, pregnancy complications, and even certain cancers. One particularly concerning effect is the reduced effectiveness of vaccines in children, a risk that prompted the EPA to drastically lower its recommended PFAS limits for drinking water. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the overall levels of these chemicals in the environment have not increased in recent years, their extreme stability means that they have remained above health advisory thresholds since the early 2000s and are unlikely to decline significantly for decades. What can be done and is rainwater still drinkable? When asked whether rainwater is safe to drink, Dr. Cousins and colleagues expressed caution. 'We are uncertain,' they wrote. While extremely low PFAS levels (in picograms or nanograms per liter) may not cause noticeable harm immediately, the cumulative risks remain. Current health advisories are based on precautionary principles designed to protect public health even in worst-case exposure scenarios. Although technologies exist to filter PFAS from water, removing them to levels below current safety standards is difficult and expensive. There is no way to eliminate PFAS from food, and they are present even in indoor dust. As Dr. Cousins emphasizes, 'Humans will have to live with some level of PFAS exposure,' but unnecessary uses must be restricted. The team concludes that all PFAS uses should be critically evaluated for essentiality. 'PFAS have no place in the natural environment,' said Dr. Martin Scheringer, co-author of the study, adding that policy must shift toward minimizing their spread and use wherever possible. The final takeaway So, is it safe to drink rainwater during this monsoon? Not without proper treatment. While it may feel nostalgic and pure, the reality is that even rain falling in remote corners of the world can carry microscopic chemical residues that could pose risks over time. Experts like Dr. Ian Cousins and his colleagues urge caution and suggest relying on filtered or regulated water sources for drinking, while pushing for global reforms in PFAS usage. The rain still brings joy but when it comes to your drinking water, science says it's better to be safe than sorry.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Exposure to 'forever chemicals' before birth linked to higher blood pressure in kids
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) -- toxic chemicals found in products like nonstick pans and personal care items -- can linger in the body for up to 20 years, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals," professor and lead study author Mingyu Zhang of Harvard Medical School told ABC News. Forever chemicals have come under growing scrutiny in recent years because they build up in the body and may trigger health problems, according to a growing body of research. In this new study, Zhang and his team found that when babies were exposed in the womb to specific types of forever chemicals -- PFDeA, PFNA, and PFUnA -- they had higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) later in life, possibly because these chemicals can cross the placenta during pregnancy and affect early development. MORE: How PFAS are entering America's water supply "PFAS exposure in the womb can affect fetal growth. There may be potential mechanisms that involve inflammation and oxidative stress that can cause PFAS' long-term health-related changes to blood pressure," Zhang said. The risk does not affect all children equally. The association was stronger for teens, boys and Black children. In boys, higher exposure to the forever chemical PFDeA was linked to a 9% greater risk of high blood pressure from ages 6 to 12, and a 17% greater risk during the teen years. Zhang cites previous studies showing that boys could be more sensitive to environmental pollutants due to slower removal rates of toxins from the body and higher rates of buildup. When it comes to the effect on older children, Zhang speculated that because PFAS stay in the body for so long, it may take longer for their effects to take hold. Children of Black mothers showed stronger links between PFAS exposure and high blood pressure, which the authors feel may reflect the combined impact of systemic racism, housing segregation and greater environmental exposure. "We know that due to historic reasons, Black and Hispanic communities face a higher burden of environmental pollutants," he says. Some of the forever chemicals -- including PFHpS, PFOS, and PFOA -- were linked to lower diastolic blood pressure in early childhood, the study found. That's the lower number in a blood pressure reading reflecting when the heart rests between beats. But as kids got older, the effect faded and may have even reversed -- these same chemicals were possibly tied to higher diastolic pressure in adolescence. MORE: EPA announces limits on some 'forever chemicals,' but just a fraction are covered Zhang said that these findings matter because children with high blood pressure are much more likely to carry it into adulthood, raising their long-term risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Early-life blood pressure patterns can set the stage for serious health issues later on, he noted. He called for more research into the health effects of forever chemicals as well as policies that focus on reducing their use. "Meaningful change to reduce PFAS exposure in our daily life requires policy-level change on the state and federal levels," he said. "This will really help the health of children for generations to come." Dr. Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi is an emergency medicine resident physician at the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Exposure to 'forever chemicals' before birth linked to higher blood pressure in kids originally appeared on
12-06-2025
- Health
Exposure to 'forever chemicals' before birth linked to higher blood pressure in kids
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) -- toxic chemicals found in products like nonstick pans and personal care items -- can linger in the body for up to 20 years, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals," professor and lead study author Mingyu Zhang of Harvard Medical School told ABC News. Forever chemicals have come under growing scrutiny in recent years because they build up in the body and may trigger health problems, according to a growing body of research. In this new study, Zhang and his team found that when babies were exposed in the womb to specific types of forever chemicals -- PFDeA, PFNA, and PFUnA -- they had higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) later in life, possibly because these chemicals can cross the placenta during pregnancy and affect early development. "PFAS exposure in the womb can affect fetal growth. There may be potential mechanisms that involve inflammation and oxidative stress that can cause PFAS' long-term health-related changes to blood pressure," Zhang said. The risk does not affect all children equally. The association was stronger for teens, boys and Black children. In boys, higher exposure to the forever chemical PFDeA was linked to a 9% greater risk of high blood pressure from ages 6 to 12, and a 17% greater risk during the teen years. Zhang cites previous studies showing that boys could be more sensitive to environmental pollutants due to slower removal rates of toxins from the body and higher rates of buildup. When it comes to the effect on older children, Zhang speculated that because PFAS stay in the body for so long, it may take longer for their effects to take hold. Children of Black mothers showed stronger links between PFAS exposure and high blood pressure, which the authors feel may reflect the combined impact of systemic racism, housing segregation and greater environmental exposure. "We know that due to historic reasons, Black and Hispanic communities face a higher burden of environmental pollutants," he says. Some of the forever chemicals -- including PFHpS, PFOS, and PFOA -- were linked to lower diastolic blood pressure in early childhood, the study found. That's the lower number in a blood pressure reading reflecting when the heart rests between beats. But as kids got older, the effect faded and may have even reversed -- these same chemicals were possibly tied to higher diastolic pressure in adolescence. Zhang said that these findings matter because children with high blood pressure are much more likely to carry it into adulthood, raising their long-term risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Early-life blood pressure patterns can set the stage for serious health issues later on, he noted. He called for more research into the health effects of forever chemicals as well as policies that focus on reducing their use. "Meaningful change to reduce PFAS exposure in our daily life requires policy-level change on the state and federal levels," he said. "This will really help the health of children for generations to come."
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Exposure to 'forever chemicals' before birth linked to higher blood pressure in kids
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) -- toxic chemicals found in products like nonstick pans and personal care items -- can linger in the body for up to 20 years, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals," Professor and lead study author Mingyu Zhang of Harvard Medical School told ABC News. Forever chemicals have come under growing scrutiny in recent years because they build up in the body and may trigger health problems, according to a growing body of research. In this new study, Zhang and his team found that when babies were exposed in the womb to specific types of forever chemicals -- PFDeA, PFNA, and PFUnA -- they had higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) later in life, possibly because these chemicals can cross the placenta during pregnancy and affect early development. MORE: How PFAS are entering America's water supply "PFAS exposure in the womb can affect fetal growth. There may be potential mechanisms that involve inflammation and oxidative stress that can cause PFAS' long term health related changes to blood pressure," Zhang said. The risk does not affect all children equally. The association was stronger for teens, boys and Black children. In boys, higher exposure to the forever chemical PFDeA was linked to a 9% greater risk of high blood pressure from ages 6 to 12, and a 17% greater risk during the teen years. Zhang cites previous studies showing that boys could be more sensitive to environmental pollutants due to slower removal rates of toxins from the body and higher rates of buildup. When it comes to the effect on older children, Zhang speculated that because PFAS stay in the body for so long, it may take longer for their effects to take hold. Children of Black mothers showed stronger links between PFAS exposure and high blood pressure, which the authors feel may reflect the combined impact of systemic racism, housing segregation and greater environmental exposure. "We know that due to historic reasons, Black and Hispanic communities face a higher burden of environmental pollutants," he says. Some of the forever chemicals -- including PFHpS, PFOS, and PFOA -- were linked to lower diastolic blood pressure in early childhood, the study found. That's the lower number in a blood pressure reading reflecting when the heart rests between beats. But as kids got older, the effect faded and may have even reversed -- these same chemicals were possibly tied to higher diastolic pressure in adolescence. MORE: EPA announces limits on some 'forever chemicals,' but just a fraction are covered Zhang said that these findings matter because children with high blood pressure are much more likely to carry it into adulthood, raising their long-term risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Early-life blood pressure patterns can set the stage for serious health issues later on, he noted. He called for more research into the health effects of forever chemicals as well as policies that focus on reducing their use. "Meaningful change to reduce PFAS exposure in our daily life requires policy level change on state and federal levels," he said. "This will really help the health of children for generations to come." Dr. Adeiyewunmi (Ade) Osinubi is an emergency medicine resident physician at the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Exposure to 'forever chemicals' before birth linked to higher blood pressure in kids originally appeared on
