Latest news with #PFHxA
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
What are forever chemicals present in everyday items that are quietly damaging the brain
Health experts are raising concerns about PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' found in everyday products, linking them to neurological harm. A University of Rochester study reveals that even short-chain variants like PFHxA may have long-term impacts on brain development, particularly in males, leading to anxiety and memory deficits. Health experts are raising alarms about 'forever chemicals,' a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are found in countless everyday products and are increasingly linked to neurological harm. From nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and even food packaging, these chemicals do not break down in the environment or the human body. A new study from the University of Rochester has added to growing concerns over forever chemicals. The study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience , found that even short-chain variants may have long-term impacts on brain development, especially in males. History of forever chemicals PFAS, developed in the 1940s, became popular for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Used in products ranging from Teflon pans to cosmetics, dental floss, and fast-food wrappers, these PFAs add convenience. However, it came at the expense of health. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data indicates widespread PFAS exposure in the US population, with detectable levels in more than 98 % of their blood , due to exposure over decades. These PFAS are linked to a range of health issues, including developmental issues in babies and kidney cancer. One PFAS, perfluorohexanoic acid or PFHxA, is made up of a shorter chain of molecules and is thought to have less of an impact on human health. The new study, however, suggests otherwise, and has revealed its potential to damage the brain. How PFAs affect the brain The new study by the researchers from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester found that early life exposure to PFHxA may increase anxiety-related behaviors and memory deficits in male mice. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'Although these effects were mild, finding behavioral effects only in males was reminiscent of the many neurodevelopmental disorders that are male-biased. This finding suggests that the male brain might be more vulnerable to environmental insults during neurodevelopment,' Ania Majewska, PhD, professor of Neuroscience and senior author, said in a statement. The study also found that males are more often diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. Forever chemicals linked to anxiety and memory loss Male mice exposed to higher doses of PFHxA showed mild developmental changes, such as a decrease in activity levels, increased anxiety-like behaviors, and memory deficits. The effects were, however, not found in females that were exposed to PFHxA. 'Pretty Little Baby' Singer Connie Francis Hospitalised, Family Gives Health Update The researchers followed these mice into adulthood. What they found was striking. In male mice, PFHxA exposure affected its behaviour long after the exposure stopped. This suggests that PFHxA exposure could have effects on the developing brain that have long-term consequences. 'This work points to the need for more research in short-chain PFAS. To our knowledge, PFHxA has not been evaluated for developmental neurobehavioral toxicity in a rodent model. Future studies should evaluate the cellular and molecular effects of PFHxA, including cell-type specific effects, in regions associated with motor, emotional/fear, and memory domains to elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings,' Majewska added. PFHxA, though a shorter chain, has been found to be persistent in water.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists pinpoint reason why more boys than girls have autism and ADHD
It's a question that has long stumped researchers. Now, new light has been shed on one reason why three times more boys than girls are diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Researchers from the University of Rochester have suggested that boys may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors such as toxic 'forever chemicals' as their brain develops. These chemicals are believed to warp brain signals, causing long-term behavioral changes in boys, such as social anxiety, difficulty sitting still and finding it hard to follow instructions. Found in everything from plastic bottles, clothing and even drinking water, these chemicals can take thousands of years to degrade and have been linked to cancer, infertility and birth defects. In the current study, the scientists pinpointed a specific 'forever chemical' known as PFHxA, which is used in paper food packaging and stain-resistant fabrics. Researchers say it could cause anxiety-like behaviours seen in autism and ADHD, but oddly, mostly in boys. They conducted a study that involved exposing baby mice to the toxin via their mother's milk. The scientists found that the male baby mice showed alarming developmental changes including a decrease in activity levels, increased anxiety and memory problems. Significantly, researchers did not observe the same behaviour changes in the female baby mice. Even years after the mice had first been exposed to the chemical, they still showed behavioral patterns associated with the disorders, suggesting forever chemical exposure could have long-lasting effects on the brain. Professor Elizabeth Plunk, first author of the study and expert in environmental medicine desribed the findings as 'concerning'. Writing in the European Journal of Neuroscience, researchers said: 'Although these effects were mild, finding behavioral effects only in males was reminiscent of many neurodevelopmental disorders that are male-biased.' 'Understanding the impact of PFHxA on the developing brain is critical when proposing regulations around this chemical,' Prof Plunk added. The researchers hope that this will be the first of many studies investigating the harmful effects of PFHxA on the brain—with a renewed focus on the areas of the brain responsible for movement, memory and emotions. The findings come amid rising concerns over a surge in ADHD diagnoses —with an estimated 2.5million people in England now living with the attention deficit disorder, according to the NHS. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, impulse control and activity levels. Common symptoms include restlessness, distractibility, forgetfulness, difficulty following instructions or managing time, and making impulsive decisions. Similarly, officials have warned that the NHS is 'overwhelmed' by soaring autism rates as 200,000 people wait for an autism assessment in England according to the latest figures. Autism is a spectrum disorder which affects how people communicate and interact. According to the World Health Organisation, around one in 100 children across the globe have the condition. Autistic children may avoid eye contact and not respond to their name being called, among other symptoms. Autism is not a disease and people have it from the moment they are born, although it may not be spotted until childhood and sometimes much later. Researchers are now worried that forever chemicals could be contributing to the surge in cases, with experts warning earlier this year the the UK's regulation of the toxic element is too lax. PFAS are found in hundreds of everyday products due to their durability. But last year a review of 500 studies found they were linked to 'serious health implications', including weakening the immune system and being a factor in cancer diagnosis. Now the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is set to put recommendations to the Government by the end of the year on whether the UK needs to introduce stricter guidelines.
