A recent study funded by the US government reveals that women exposed to several commonly used chemicals may have an increased risk of ovarian and other cancers, with a notable doubling in the odds of melanoma among those exposed.
Published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, the research utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Researchers, led by Max Aung from the USC Keck School of Medicine, identified associations between certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phenols and increased cancer diagnoses among women.
PFAS, renowned for their persistence in the environment, are found in numerous household and industrial products, such as stain- and heat-resistant items.
According to the study, PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” may disrupt hormone functions particularly relevant to women, potentially contributing to the increased odds of hormone-related cancers.
The study did not establish similar links between these chemicals and cancer diagnoses in men.
“We should be concerned because these chemicals are widely present in our environment, and there is substantial human exposure,” explained Max Aung.
“They have the potential to heighten the risk of various health issues and disrupt biological pathways. Understanding these risks is crucial for prevention and mitigation efforts.”
Due to their pervasive presence, avoiding exposure to PFAS is nearly impossible. These chemicals do not naturally degrade, persisting in water, soil, air, and food.
As per CDC estimates, about 97% of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.
Additionally, the US Geological Survey reports that 45% of US drinking water sources are contaminated with PFAS.
The study also observed disparities among women from different racial backgrounds. While PFAS exposure showed associations with ovarian and uterine cancers primarily in white women, phenols were linked more significantly to breast cancer in non-white women.
The reasons for these racial differences are not entirely clear but could be influenced by dietary habits and proximity to contaminated water sources.
The research, based on data spanning from 2005 to 2018 and involving over 10,000 participants, underscores the need for continued investigation into the health impacts of PFAS and phenols.
While the study establishes correlations between these chemicals and cancer diagnoses, it does not definitively prove causation, emphasizing the necessity for further research.
Funded by the National Institutes of Environmental Health, this ongoing research seeks to deepen understanding of how PFAS chemicals affect human health.
While certain types of PFAS have been linked through previous studies to various health issues including cancer, fertility issues, and kidney disease, research on their broader health effects continues to evolve.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco; the University of Southern California; and the University of Michigan, alongside Max Aung from the USC Keck School of Medicine.
