Study Links 'Forever Chemicals' PFAS to Increased Thyroid Cancer Risk

Mount Sinai researchers reveal that exposure to certain types of "forever chemicals" PFAS, found in common household products, elevates thyroid cancer risk by 56%, providing robust evidence for global regulatory actions to mitigate PFAS exposure.

• Mount Sinai researchers have found a link between certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and an increased risk for thyroid cancer - these PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' are a large complex group of synthetic chemicals that can migrate into soil, water, and air due to their strong carbon-fluorine bond.
• 'Forever chemicals' such as PFAS have been used in consumer products around the world since the 1940s, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and other products that resist grease, water, and oil.
• The study involved the examination of 88 thyroid cancer patients and 88 non-cancer controls from the BioMe, a medical record-linked biobank - the researchers compared levels of eight PFAS in these groups and found that exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (n-PFOS), a type of PFAS, led to a 56 percent increased risk of thyroid cancer diagnosis.
• Subsequent analysis also revealed a positive association between the exposure of n-PFOS and the risk of thyroid cancer, as well as a positive association with a few additional PFAS chemicals: branched perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorooctylphosphonic acid, and linear perfluorohexanesulfonic acid.
• Addressing this health crisis, the researchers emphasized a need to reduce, or eliminate, PFAS exposure - they urge the public to discuss their PFAS exposure with their treating physician to determine their risk and get screened if appropriate, besides advocating for industry changes to eliminate PFAS altogether.

3 Articles

ScienceDaily Newsweek The Hill