PFAS Uncovered: Protect your hormonal health before it’s too late!
Perfluorinated compounds, also known as PFAS, are chemical substances that are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from cookware to cleaning products. However, their persistence in the environment and their ability to interfere with the endocrine system raise serious public health concerns.
In this article, we explore what perfluorinated compounds are, their many uses, and dive into the research conducted by renowned investigator Nicolás Olea on their hormonal effects. Join us to better understand these endocrine disruptors and learn how you can reduce your exposure to them.
¿What are PFAs?
Perfluorinated compounds, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a family of synthetic chemical compounds that contain carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds are extremely strong, making PFAS highly persistent in the environment and in living organisms. There are thousands of PFAS, but the most studied and well-known are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
Uses of perfluorinated compounds (PFAs)
PFAS are used in a wide variety of products due to their water-, oil-, and stain-repellent properties. Some of their uses include:
Effects of perfluorinated compounds on the endocrine system
Perfluorinated compounds are known endocrine disruptors because they can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many biological functions, and endocrine disruptors can alter their production, release, transport, metabolism, binding, action, or elimination, potentially leading to adverse health effects.
Some specific effects of PFAS on the endocrine system include:
Studies on PFAs
Nicolás Olea, a renowned Spanish researcher, has conducted numerous studies on the effects of endocrine disruptors, including PFAS. Olea and his team have identified and documented how these compounds affect human health and the environment.
Some of his findings include:
- Widespread exposure: Research has shown that PFAS exposure is common and widespread, with these compounds found in drinking water, food, and household dust.
- Effects on reproductive health: Adverse effects on reproductive health have been documented, including alterations in puberty and the development of reproduction-related diseases.
- Impact on child health: Prenatal exposure to PFAS has been observed to affect fetal development and child health, including neurological and immune system issues.
Endocrine disruption in human health: Evidence and strategies
Learn how endocrine disruptors affect our health and what strategies we can adopt to minimize their impact. View publication.
Perfluorinated chemicals and human health: A review
Discover the effects of PFAS on health and the main conclusions of this comprehensive scientific review.
Prenatal exposure to PFAS and its impact on child development
Learn how PFAS exposure during pregnancy can affect child development. View study.
Environmental persistence of PFAS and its impact on hormonal functions
Explore the relationship between the environmental persistence of PFAS and their effects on hormonal functions.a ambiental de los PFAS y sus efectos en las funciones hormonales.
List of products with PFAs
1. Food-related products
- Fast food wrappers (burgers, fries, pizza boxes)
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Candy wrappers and snack packaging
- Non-stick cookware (Teflon or other PTFE-coated pans)
- Stain-resistant or grease-resistant paper plates and cups
- Food storage containers with grease-resistant lining
2. Textiles & clothing
- Water- and stain-resistant jackets, coats, and rain gear
- Outdoor and performance sportswear
- Stain-resistant upholstery, carpets, and rugs
- Waterproof shoes or boots
3. Personal care & cosmetics
- Makeup (foundations, mascara, lipsticks, eyeshadows)
- Sunscreens and lotions
- Dental floss coated with PTFE
- Some deodorants and nail polishes
4. Household products
- Non-stick bakeware and kitchen utensils
- Cleaning products with fluorinated surfactants
- Stain- and water-repellent furniture sprays
- Certain waxes and polishes for cars, skis, or snowboards
5. Industrial & miscellaneous
- Firefighting foams (AFFF)
- Electronics and semiconductors
- Some inks, paints, and coatings
- Ski and snowboard waxes
