Latest news with #PFOA
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Cancer-fighting gut bacteria that can absorb forever chemicals in the body discovered by scientists from Cambridge University
In a promising breakthrough, scientists from the University of Cambridge have discovered that certain strains of healthy gut bacteria may help rid the body of toxic 'forever chemicals,' compounds linked to cancer, infertility, and hormonal disorders. These harmful chemicals, officially known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are nearly impossible to break down and have been found to accumulate in human tissues for decades. According to a study published in Nature Microbiology, researchers identified nine strains of human gut bacteria capable of absorbing and flushing out PFAS, potentially reducing their concentration in the body by as much as 74 percent. The findings raise new hope for a microbial-based detox strategy against one of the most persistent health threats in modern environments. Cancer risk from forever chemicals in human body PFAS are man-made chemicals commonly used in nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. Due to their durability, they do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body. Over time, these chemicals accumulate in vital organs and have been linked to serious health conditions, including liver damage, birth defects, hormone disruption, and various cancers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Anne Hegerty And Her Partner, Who You Will Easily Recognize Sport Pirate Undo The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it has sufficient evidence of causing cancer in humans. Another PFAS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), is listed as a Group 2 carcinogen, indicating possible cancer risk in animals. Gut bacteria offer a possible defense To explore how the gut microbiome might influence PFAS detoxification, researchers introduced 38 strains of healthy human gut bacteria into lab mice. Within minutes of PFAS exposure, mice carrying the bacteria showed up to 74 percent more PFAS excreted in stool compared to those without the bacteria. 'We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations,' said Dr. Kiran Patil, senior author and toxicologist at the University of Cambridge, in a statement reported by Daily Mail. 'Due to aggregation of PFAS in clumps inside their cells, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects.' Which bacteria work best? Among the bacteria studied, Odoribacter splanchnicus showed the strongest potential to lower PFAS levels. This microbe produces butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid known to support both metabolism and immune function. Over a 24-hour period, nine strains of bacteria were observed to significantly reduce PFAS levels: PFNA levels dropped by 25 to 74 percent PFOA levels decreased by 23 to 58 percent The research suggests that PFAS latch onto bacterial cells during digestion and are expelled through stool, an elimination route often overlooked in toxicology. Next step: Probiotic supplements The Cambridge team is now developing probiotic supplements aimed at increasing levels of these PFAS-binding bacteria in the human gut. 'The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now,' said Dr. Indra Roux, co-author from the University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit. 'We haven't found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the possibility of developing ways to get them out of our bodies where they do the most harm.' Gut health as a weapon against toxic chemicals Unlike traditional methods that focus on filtering PFAS from water or limiting exposure, this study introduces the possibility of a biological detox method. It also builds on prior research showing that fiber-rich diets can help reduce PFAS levels by promoting the excretion of bile acids, another substance PFAS tends to bind with in the digestive tract. This study is among the first to show that PFAS can be actively removed from the body by natural means, rather than passively accumulating over time. A new approach to an old problem Though the study was conducted on mice, researchers plan to move toward human trials and commercial probiotic solutions. If successful, this approach could transform how we manage toxic chemical exposure, especially for vulnerable populations. This discovery marks an exciting step forward in the battle against environmental contaminants, with gut bacteria offering a powerful new ally in protecting human health.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Toxic ‘forever chemicals' have infiltrated Antarctic waters: Study
The frigid waters that surround Antarctica may be inhospitable to human inhabitance, but they are churning with the manmade relics of toxic chemical production, a new study has found. Certain types of 'forever chemicals' are present in ocean areas west of the Antarctic Peninsula at levels comparable to those in the North Atlantic, according to the study, published in Communications Earth & Environment. These findings, the study authors stated, underscore the importance of considering persistence when weighing environmental risk, while shedding light 'on the impact of the larger pool of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,' also known as PFAS. There are about 15,000 types of these so-called 'forever chemicals,' many of which are linked to cancers and other serious illnesses. Known for their ability to linger in the environment, PFAS are found in certain firefighting foams and in a variety of household products, such as waterproof apparel, nonstick pans and cosmetics. Although previous studies have suggested only a limited presence of PFAS in the Southern Ocean, the authors — from Spain's Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research and the University of Barcelona — were able to challenge this assumption. The prevailing notion, they explained, reasoned that the 'circumpolar current' that flows clockwise around the Antarctic prevented the transport of PFAS southwards. Yet at the same time, the researchers recognized that oceans have become 'a major reservoir' of a PFAS subgroup called perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) — and that certain precursors of PFAAs had been identified in the Southern Ocean's atmosphere. 'PFAAs are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical oceans and are extremely persistent in the environment,' the authors stated. Among the two most notorious types of PFAAs around the world are PFOA and PFOS — carcinogens that have largely been phased out of production but that remain in soil and water resources due to their longevity. To determine whether these persistent — and often toxic — types of PFAS had in fact infiltrated the Southern Ocean, the scientists conducted on-site water sampling in the area, accompanied by analytical procedures. In doing so, they identified PFAA concentrations in seawater at Antarctic latitudes of 71 degrees south comparable with those of 37 degrees north — in regions with known PFAS sources across Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and the United States. Given the circumpolar current's likely role as 'a barrier for the north-south transport of PFAAs by oceanic currents,' the researchers focused on a possible mechanism called 'wet deposition,' when aerosolized pollutants fall from the atmosphere with rain or snow. The scientists ultimately determined that PFAA compounds are transported via ocean currents from the southern subtropical Atlantic to the sub-Antarctic — the zone immediately north of the Antarctic region. From there, what likely occurs is a phenomenon known as 'sea-spray mediated grasshopping,' in which PFAA-laden sea spray forms in the atmosphere and then deposits in the Southern Ocean, per the study. The Southern Ocean, the authors explained, is known for its high wind speeds, and the region in general endures 'incursions' of wet air masses from the north. Once the compounds have made it into the Antarctic region and have crossed a maritime barrier called 'the Antarctic divergence,' they are generally there to stay, the study found. This polar PFAS pileup, the authors warned, raises concerns about potential risks posed to the Antarctic ecosystem. They therefore stressed a need for further research into the prevalence of such 'persistent contaminants of emerging concern' across the region. 'This unexpected accumulation evidences the global risk posed by persistent chemicals,' the authors added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
15-07-2025
- Science
- The Hill
Toxic ‘forever chemicals' have infiltrated Antarctic waters: Study
The frigid waters that surround Antarctica may be inhospitable to human inhabitance, but they are churning with the manmade relics of toxic chemical production, a new study has found. Certain types of 'forever chemicals' are present in ocean areas west of the Antarctic Peninsula at levels comparable to those in the North Atlantic, according to the study, published in Communications Earth & Environment. These findings, the study authors stated, underscore the importance of considering persistence when weighing environmental risk, while shedding light 'on the impact of the larger pool of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,' also known as PFAS. There are about 15,000 types of these so-called 'forever chemicals,' many of which are linked to cancers and other serious illnesses. Known for their ability to linger in the environment, PFAS are found in certain firefighting foams and in a variety of household products, such as waterproof apparel, nonstick pans and cosmetics. Although previous studies have suggested only a limited presence of PFAS in the Southern Ocean, the authors — from Spain's Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research and the University of Barcelona — were able to challenge this assumption. The prevailing notion, they explained, reasoned that the 'circumpolar current' that flows clockwise around Antarctic prevented the transport of PFAS southwards. Yet at the same time, the researchers recognized that oceans have become 'a major reservoir' of a PFAS subgroup called perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) — and that certain precursors of PFAAs had been identified in the Southern Ocean's atmosphere. 'PFAAs are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical oceans and are extremely persistent in the environment,' the authors stated. Among the two most notorious types of PFAAs around the world are PFOA and PFOS — carcinogens that have largely been phased out of production but that remain in soil and water resources due to their longevity. To determine whether these persistent — and often toxic — types of PFAS had in fact infiltrated the Southern Ocean, the scientists conducted on-site water sampling in the area, accompanied by analytical procedures. In doing so, they identified PFAA concentrations in seawater at Antarctic latitudes of 71 degrees south comparable with those of 37 degrees north — in regions with known PFAS sources across Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and the United States. Given the circumpolar current's likely role as 'a barrier for the north-south transport of PFAAs by oceanic currents,' the researchers focused on a possible mechanism called 'wet deposition,' when aerosolized pollutants fall from the atmosphere with rain or snow. The scientists ultimately determined that PFAA compounds are transported via ocean currents from the southern subtropical Atlantic to the sub-Antarctic — the zone immediately north of the Antarctic region. From there, what likely occurs is a phenomenon known as 'sea-spray mediated grasshopping,' in which PFAA-laden sea spray forms in the atmosphere and then deposits in the Southern Ocean, per the study. The Southern Ocean, the authors explained, is known for its high wind speeds, and the region in general endures 'incursions' of wet air masses from the north. Once the compounds have made it into the Antarctic region and have crossed a maritime barrier called 'the Antarctic divergence,' they are generally there to stay, the study found. This polar PFAS pileup, the authors warned, raises concerns about potential risks posed to the Antarctic ecosystem. They therefore stressed a need for further research into the prevalence of such 'persistent contaminants of emerging concern' across the region. 'This unexpected accumulation evidences the global risk posed by persistent chemicals,' the authors added.
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Chemical maker DuPont to shell out $27M for toxic contamination of NY village's water supply
Chemical maker DuPont has agreed to a $27 million settlement to resolve a nearly decade-long lawsuit over the contamination of an upstate New York village's water supply. The deal was announced Wednesday by lawyers representing residents of Hoosick Falls, located northwest of Albany, just as the case was headed to trial in federal court this week. The settlement brings the total recovered in the class action suit brought in 2016 to more than $90 million, lawyers for Rochester-based firm Faraci Lange said. The settlement brings the total recovered in the class action suit brought in 2016 to more than $90 million. Ricochet64 – Three other companies — Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Honeywell International and 3M —settled for a total of more than $65 million in 2021. DuPont was the last remaining defendant. 'We are gratified to have reached what we believe will be the final resolution of this case that will provide significant added benefit to the residents of Hoosick Falls and the Town of Hoosick,' said Stephen Schwarz. DuPont declined to comment Friday, but the Delaware-based company noted that the case relates to E.I. DuPont de Nemours, which operated its performance chemicals business until it was spun out in 2015. The DuPont settlement, which must still be approved by a federal judge, also includes another $6 million in funding for an existing medical monitoring program for exposed residents, according to attorneys. A general exterior view of the logo sign on the Honeywell International Inc office building on January 15, 2024 in Basildon, United Kingdom. Getty Images In their class action suit, Hoosick Falls residents claimed that a local Teflon fabric coating facility operated by Saint-Gobain and Honeywell caused local drinking water to become contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. DuPont, which made Teflon materials used at the facility, and 3M, which made the PFOA used by DuPont in its products, were added as defendants to the lawsuit in 2018. PFOA was once widely used in certain industrial processes but is now considered a harmful 'forever chemical' because it can persist in the environment for decades without decomposing. It has been linked to a number of serious illnesses including kidney and testicular cancer and has recently been classified as a carcinogen.
CTV News
11-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Chemical maker DuPont agrees to $27M settlement in polluted water lawsuit in upstate New York
In this June 15, 2016 photo, Hoosick Falls residents hold signs during a news conference at the state Capitol in Albany, N.Y., calling for hearings on the state's handling of PFOA contamination in drinking water in their town. New York environmental regulators are looking statewide for potential sites of groundwater contamination from a cancer-causing chemical previously used to make Teflon and other products. The Department of Environmental Conservation sent formal surveys last week to more than 150 facilities that may have used PFOA. Surveys were also sent to scores of fire departments, airports and other facilities that may have used the related chemical PFOS in firefighting foam. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. — Chemical maker DuPont has agreed to a US$27 million settlement to resolve a nearly decade-long lawsuit over the contamination of an upstate New York village's water supply. The deal was announced Wednesday by lawyers representing residents of Hoosick Falls, located northwest of Albany, just as the case was headed to trial in federal court this week. The settlement brings the total recovered in the class action suit brought in 2016 to more than $90 million, lawyers for Rochester-based firm Faraci Lange said. Three other companies — Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Honeywell International and 3M —settled for a total of more than $65 million in 2021. DuPont was the last remaining defendant. 'We are gratified to have reached what we believe will be the final resolution of this case that will provide significant added benefit to the residents of Hoosick Falls and the Town of Hoosick,' said Stephen Schwarz. A spokesperson for Delaware-based DuPont didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Friday. The DuPont settlement, which must still be approved by a federal judge, also includes another $6 million in funding for an existing medical monitoring program for exposed residents, according to attorneys. In their class action suit, Hoosick Falls residents claimed that a local Teflon fabric coating facility operated by Saint-Gobain and Honeywell caused local drinking water to become contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. DuPont, which made Teflon materials used at the facility, and 3M, which made the PFOA used by DuPont in its products, were added as defendants to the lawsuit in 2018. PFOA was once widely used in certain industrial processes but is now considered a harmful 'forever chemical' because it can persist in the environment for decades without decomposing. It has been linked to a number of serious illnesses including kidney and testicular cancer and has recently been classified as a carcinogen. The Associated Press
