‘This gives us a hint’

A new to work It connects some “forever chemical” species to certain changes in gene activity that can lead to health problems such as cancer, neurological disorders and autoimmune disease.

What’s happening?

Guardian He summarized the article, one of the first people to investigate how PFA can affect gene activity.

“This gives us a clue to which genes and which PFAs can be important, Mel Melissa Furlong, the chief author of the study.

The team analyzed the blood of approximately 300 firefighters and discovered the connections between the bladder, liver, thyroid and breast cancers, along with PFA -associated gene changes and biological ways of leukemia. Other genes and roads were related to situations such as Alzheimer’s disease, lupus, asthma and tuberculosis.

Why is this study important?

This study is building on a growing science body that investigates the health effects of thousands of people -making chemicals used in daily elements for decades. non -stick pot And water -resistant clothes. Firefighters were also used in foam and equipment, so firefighters are at a higher risk.

Previous studies have attributed exposure to these chemicals to tumors and liver and kidney cancer, reproductive problems, low birth weights and weakened immune systems in children.

What to do about PFAs?

When possible, you can help reduce your exposure by avoiding products containing these chemicals. More than two dozen Retail chains with more than 150,000 stores already committed PFAs gradually and you can also shop at the same time This list PFAS -free brands.

PFAS is also widely found in drinking water, and scientists are working on ways to limit this contamination. First, researchers at the University of Illinois found a way to remove these chemicals from the water using a single process, and a team at the University of Rochester is doing similar work.

Some firefighters also invest PFAS -free toothed To protect firefighters.

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