Forever Chemicals: A Hidden Threat to Our Health

The Ubiquity of Forever Chemicals

Forever chemicals, man-made substances designed to repel water, oil, and stains, are ubiquitous. They are found in:

• Nonstick pans
• Fast-food wrappers
• Waterproof jackets

Scientists have already linked these chemicals to serious health issues including:

• Liver damage
• High cholesterol
• Fertility problems
• Birth defects
• Cancer

New Research on PFOS and PCBs

New research shows that exposure to two major environmental toxins, PFOS and PCBs, increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Extreme fatigue
• Pain
• Cognitive difficulties

Key Findings

• People with high levels of PFOS and PCBs in their blood have twice the odds of being diagnosed with MS compared to those with low levels.
• These chemicals can disrupt the immune system, either weakening it or causing it to overreact.
• Disruption has been linked to other autoimmune diseases like:
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Study Details

In a recent study:

• Researchers analyzed blood samples from 900 people in Sweden recently diagnosed with MS.
• They compared these samples with samples from people without the disease.
• Higher levels of these toxins were linked to a higher risk of MS, even after accounting for lifestyle and genetic factors.

Genetics and Chemical Exposure

The study also looked at how genetics interact with chemical exposure:

• People with a certain gene variant were thought to have a lower risk of MS.
• However, the new research found that these same people had a higher risk of MS if they were also exposed to high levels of PFOS.

Long-Term Health Risks

These findings add to the growing evidence that forever chemicals pose serious long-term health risks:

• They seep into the soil, water, and air.
• Nearly all Americans have measurable levels in their blood, including newborns.
• These toxins do not break down easily, so they linger in the environment and inside the human body for an unknown amount of time.

Current Regulations and Recommendations

• Despite being banned in the US since 1979, PCBs are still found in the environment and older products.
• PFAS remain widely used today.

Experts recommend the following to reduce exposure:

• Filtering drinking water
• Avoiding nonstick cookware and grease-resistant food packaging
• Choosing fresh, unpackaged foods