In addition to being persistent chemicals in the environment, PFA are endocrine-disrupting Trusted Source chemicals (EDC S), which are compounds that interfere with the normal functions of hormones in the body.
Here are some of the documented health risks of PFA.
Liver damage
In the body, PFA predominantly accumulate in liver tissue, making liver damage one of the most-researched health effect of PFA.
The 2022 review mentioned above-which looked at studies in both animals and humans-shows that exposure to PFA is associated with signs of liver damage and an increased risk of developing conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can in turn lead to more serious conditions such as cirrhosis.
NAFLD Trusted Source is a spectrum of liver disorders and one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and potentially liver failure.
Its exact mechanism is unclear, but some experts believe that PFA disrupts fat processing and storage in the body, increasing the deposits of fat in the liver that subsequently damage this organ, and inducing other metabolic disorders.
Endocrine and metabolic disorders
As endocrine-disrupting chemicals, PFA are associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity, thyroid disorders, and diabetes.
A 2016 Review in Trusted source suggests that prenatal exposure to PFA was later associated with excess adiposity and an increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
Observational studies in Trusted Source also support the link between PFA and compromised thyroid health, which, during pregnancy, disrupts glucose and insulin levels, increasing the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels become too high during pregnancy, and may be harmful to the parent and baby.
Reproductive health
PFA may disrupt reproductive health from as early as puberty by potentially impairing the function of the ovaries.
A 2020 Review in Trusted Source highlights research that found associations between exposure to PFA and delayed start of the menstrual cycle, irregular or longer cycles, early onset of menopause, and hormonal imbalances of estrogen and androgens.
In addition, exposure to PFA during pregnancy in a Trusted Source poses long-term health risks to the fetus, but may also lead to low birth weight or the life-threatening condition, preeclampsia.
However, findings regarding PFA and reproductive health have been inconsistent, and more research in humans is warranted.
Other risks
Although there is little evidence to date, ongoing research continues to elucidate the potential role of PFA exposure in cancer risk and development.
Researchers have already observed associations between PFA exposure via drinking water and the development, Trusted Source of testicular and kidney cancers.
Other research Trusted Source determined that PFA increase the risk of developing kidney cancer such that the greater the PFA exposure, the greater the cancer risk, adding to the evidence that PFA are renal carcinogens.
Safety concerns
PFA are a double-edged sword-the chemical properties that make them excellent for industrial use are the same properties that threaten environmental and human health.
They have a long half-life, which makes them "persistent Trusted Source" chemicals. This means that they do not easily break down, so they subsequently accumulate throughout the environment, including in animal and human tissues.
Humans become exposed to PFA predominantly through diet, as well as through contaminated drinking water Trusted Source, skin contact from cosmetic and personal care products, indoor and outdoor air pollution, and early-life Trusted Source exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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