Latest news with #PFHxA
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
France's largest tap water ban exposes global threat of ‘forever chemicals'
A tap water ban in eastern France due to high PFAS levels has spotlighted the dangers of these "forever chemicals." The contamination, linked to firefighting foam, affects 60,000 people, with blood tests revealing alarming PFAS concentrations. Exposure to PFAS is associated with various health issues, and while some filtration methods exist, complete removal remains a challenge. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What are PFAS and why are they dangerous? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Increased cholesterol levels Reduced immune response (including lower vaccine effectiveness) Liver damage Thyroid disease Fertility issues and pregnancy-induced hypertension Low birth weight and developmental delays in children Increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer. A sweeping ban on tap water in eastern France has thrust the dangers of 'forever chemicals' into the global spotlight, raising urgent questions about water safety and chemical pollution in communities July 2025, authorities in Saint-Louis and 15 neighboring communes near the Swiss and German borders ordered about 60,000 people—including infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with compromised immune systems—to stop drinking tap water due to dangerously high levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals, used for decades in firefighting foam at a nearby airport, were found at four times the soon-to-be-enforced European Union safety tests in the region revealed that residents had PFAS concentrations averaging 14.9 µg/L, more than double the European Food Safety Authority's recommended limit of 6.9 µg/L, placing Saint-Louis among the most exposed communities in France. The contamination, likely ongoing for years, went unnoticed until recent testing, leading to widespread public anger and a rush on bottled are a group of synthetic chemicals prized for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, and are found in products ranging from firefighting foams to non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing. They are known as 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down naturally and accumulate in the environment and human bodies, with links to cancer, immune dysfunction, and reproductive research also points to the dangers of newer, so-called 'short-chain' PFAS. For example, PFHxA, a replacement for older PFAS, has been shown in animal studies to cause lasting behavioral and brain changes in males exposed early in life, challenging the notion that these substitutes are can enter water supplies through industrial discharges, use of firefighting foams, landfill leachate, and runoff from manufacturing sites. Once in the environment, they can contaminate soil and groundwater, ultimately reaching drinking water studies have associated PFAS exposure with a wide range of health issues, including:Some filtration methods, such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis, can reduce PFAS levels in water, but no method guarantees complete removal. Large-scale remediation is challenging due to the chemicals' persistence.
New York Post
06-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
How forever chemicals target developing male brains — and what this means for their autism risk
Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD disproportionately affect males, with some estimating boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls. Theories suggest this gender gap may be because male brains are more sensitive to changes during development, and girls might be better at hiding the signs or showing them in different ways. Now, a new study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience has uncovered a shocking link between PFAS — also known as 'forever chemicals — and autism in men. Advertisement 3 A new study has uncovered a shocking link between PFAS — also known as 'forever chemicals — and autism in men. mavoimages – Scientists gave pregnant mice a type of short-chain PFAS called PFHxA — a chemical that's still widely used even though it's been restricted in some parts of the world. The mothers were fed small doses, similar to what people might come across in their daily lives, and when their pups grew up, the male mice showed clear changes in behavior. Advertisement They were less active, more anxious and had trouble with memory, while the female mice didn't seem affected at all. 'Although these effects were mild, finding behavioral effects only in males was reminiscent of the many neurodevelopmental disorders that are male-biased,' Ania Majewska, a neuroscience professor at the University of Rochester, said in a press release. 'This finding suggests that the male brain might be more vulnerable to environmental insults during neurodevelopment.' 3 Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD disproportionately affect males, with some estimates placing the ratio of boy versus girl diagnoses at 4:1. Vitalii Vodolazskyi – Advertisement Until recently, PFHxA was considered a 'safer' replacement for older, more notorious forever chemicals that have been phased out. But this study suggests we may have just swapped one problem for another — especially when it comes to protecting developing male brains. 'Finding that developmental exposure to PFHxA has long-term behavioral consequences in a mammalian model is concerning when considering short-chain PFAS are thought to be safer alternatives to the legacy PFAS that have been phased-out of production,' study lead author Elizabeth Plunk said. Advertisement 'Understanding the impacts of PFHxA on the developing brain is critical when proposing regulations around this chemical. Hopefully, this is the first of many studies evaluating the neurotoxicity of PFHxA.' 3 There are over 4,700 PFAS, which are used to make items resistant to water, grease and stains. artursfoto – The findings, while done on mice, suggest we need to take a closer scientific look at the link between forever chemicals and autism. '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,' said Majewska. ' '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 mechanistic underpinnings.' PFAS — synthetic substances that persist in the environment and human body — have been likened to 'slow poisons' that may increase the risk of certain cancers, fertility troubles, liver damage and developmental delays in children. Advertisement There are over 4,700 PFAS, which are used to make items resistant to water, grease and stains. They can be found in food packaging, cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, certain personal care products and — most recently — beer.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- 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
04-07-2025
- 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.
