Forever chemicals in the slightest exposure can affect health.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a chemical known to increase the risk of hypertension by up to 71 percent. Ironically, there are several types of food that are often exposed to “forever chemicals“Because of the packaging.
PFAS is also known as perennial chemical. This nickname was given to PFAS because of these chemicals these chemicals cannot be decomposed, either in the environment or in the body.
“Second, (PFAS) move relatively quickly in the environment, making contamination difficult to control,” said Erik D Olson, senior strategic director for health and food at NRDC. ExpressAhad (26/6/2022).
Olson said, PFAS should be watched out for because even very small amounts of exposure can have a negative impact on health. This has been proven in a study involving 1,058 female participants.
Through this study, the research team analyzed the blood samples of the participants. None of the participants had hypertension at the start of the study. The results of the study found that women who were exposed to high levels of PFAS had a 71 percent higher risk of developing hypertension.
“Several PFAS have been shown to be positively associated with the incidence of hypertension,” explained the research team.
Two types of PFAS, namely perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sultanate It is also known to be associated with a number of health problems. Some of these health problems are liver disease, thyroid disease, cancer, hormonal disorders, reproductive problems, and slow response to vaccines.
“Perennial chemicals are everywhere. Apart from food, water and clothes, we can also find them in our homes and offices,” says health psychologist from Oliolusso, Ieva Kubiliute.
Exposure to PFAS can also occur in a variety of ways. One of them is through food packaging. According to the health platform Chem Trust, there are four types of food packaging that contain high levels of PFAS.
–
–
.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)