Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified a concerning link between certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” and a heightened risk of thyroid cancer.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use worldwide since the 1940s due to their unique properties, including resistance to grease, water, and oil.
However, these chemicals, known for their strong carbon-fluorine bond, do not readily break down in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water, and air.
PFAS exposure has become a growing health crisis, drawing the attention of institutions like the European Parliament and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This study underscores the need for regulation and the elimination of PFAS from potential exposure routes.
Unveiling the Link: PFAS and Thyroid Cancer Risk
While PFAS exposure has been identified as a potential contributor to the recent surge in thyroid cancer cases, limited studies have explored the connection between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer in human populations.
To address this gap, researchers examined the association between plasma PFAS levels and thyroid cancer diagnoses using data from BioMe, a medical record-linked biobank at Icahn Mount Sinai.
Key Findings: PFAS and Increased Thyroid Cancer Risk
The study analyzed 88 thyroid cancer patients with plasma samples collected either at or before cancer diagnosis and compared them to 88 non-cancer controls who matched in various demographic factors.
Researchers measured eight PFAS in blood samples from the participants and observed that exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (n-PFOS), a type of PFAS, was linked to a 56% increased risk of thyroid cancer diagnosis.
Additionally, the analysis was conducted on a subgroup of 31 patients who had at least a year between their enrollment in BioMe and their thyroid cancer diagnosis to consider the time lag between PFAS exposure and disease development.
This analysis also found a positive association between n-PFOS exposure and thyroid cancer risk, along with associations with several other PFAS chemicals.
Implications and Future Directions: PFAS Awareness and Elimination
The findings of this study provide further confirmation of the health concerns surrounding PFAS and emphasize the urgency of reducing and, ideally, eliminating PFAS exposure.
As PFAS are nearly ubiquitous in daily life, the study calls for increased awareness of the severity of these “forever chemicals.”
Individuals are encouraged to discuss their PFAS exposure with healthcare providers to assess their risk and undergo screening when appropriate.
Furthermore, industry changes aimed at the complete elimination of PFAS are essential to address this ongoing public health challenge.
Conclusion: Addressing the PFAS Health Crisis
The study’s identification of a clear link between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer risk highlights the pressing need for action.
As “forever chemicals” continue to pervade our environment and daily activities, addressing this crisis is vital to safeguard public health and reduce the burden of thyroid cancer worldwide.
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The research findings can be found in eBioMedicine.
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