Scientists from the University of Southern California have uncovered a troubling connection between a common environmental chemical and liver cancer, the most prevalent type being non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma.
The chemical in question, perfluorooctane sulfate (PFOS), belongs to a group of man-made compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly and accumulate in the environment and human tissues, including the liver.
PFAS are widely used in consumer and industrial products, such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging.
While previous research suggested that PFAS exposure might increase the risk of liver cancer, this study is the first to confirm a strong association using human samples.
The researchers analyzed data from over 200,000 residents of Los Angeles and Hawaii as part of a long-term health study.
They focused on 50 participants who developed liver cancer and compared their blood samples—collected before the cancer diagnosis—with samples from 50 participants who did not develop cancer.
The study revealed the presence of several types of PFAS in the blood of participants who later developed liver cancer. Among these, PFOS stood out as the most strongly linked to the disease.
People with the highest PFOS levels in their blood were found to be 4.5 times more likely to develop liver cancer compared to those with the lowest levels.
The researchers also explored how PFOS might contribute to liver cancer. They found that PFOS appears to interfere with critical liver functions, including glucose metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and the processing of branched-chain amino acids—essential nutrients involved in maintaining liver health.
This disruption can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver, a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
NAFLD is a growing global health concern, with cases rising sharply in recent years for reasons not entirely understood. This condition is expected to affect 30% of U.S. adults by 2030 and significantly increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
The study’s findings suggest that exposure to PFOS and similar chemicals may be a contributing factor to the rise in NAFLD and related liver cancers.
The researchers aim to further validate these findings through larger studies. Their work highlights the urgent need to address environmental exposure to PFAS, given their persistence in the environment and potential harm to human health.
This study, led by Jesse Goodrich and published in JHEP Reports, underscores the importance of understanding the long-term health effects of everyday chemical exposure. By identifying and mitigating these risks, there is hope for reducing the growing burden of liver-related diseases.
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