Are there substances in clothes and cosmetics that increase the risk of cancer?

PFAS chemicals have made our lives more convenient, but they are currently having a negative impact on the human body. PFAS is a perfluorinated compound (PFAS) used in almost all products, including disposable products, cookware, cell phones, cosmetics, and clothing, and is an endocrine disruptor (EDCs). Recently, Professor Kim Shin-hye’s team at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital announced that this substance is highly related to the risk of early-stage diabetes and pre-diabetes. Regarding this, Cleveland Clinic endocrinologist Dr. David Schuman warned that EDCs are everywhere and we are constantly exposed through what we eat, breathe, and touch, and that they can cause problems to our bodies over time.

PFAS used to strengthen products from oil and water

PFAS is a group of more than 9,000 compounds that were introduced by manufacturers in the 1940s. These chemicals have strong, durable carbon-fluorine bonds. PFAS chemicals were also initially created to keep people safe and convenient.

Products using PFAS are used to resist heat, grease, stains, oil, and water. PFAS is mainly found in everyday clothing, cosmetics, firefighting foam, coated cookware, carpets, furniture, and food packaging. However, PFAS can accumulate in the human body over time and cause the following health problems:

Thyroid dysfunction= Studies have shown that PFAS can alter levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the main thyroid hormone, thyroxine. This can cause the thyroid to become overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism).

Childhood developmental delay = Exposure to PFAS can have negative effects on the development of fetuses and children. One study found that exposure to PFAS during pregnancy was associated with low birth weight, reduced sperm counts, and an increased risk of obesity. It also pointed to developmental problems such as early puberty, skeletal problems, and behavioral changes.

Increased risk of cancer = According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to PFAS can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and thyroid cancer.

Immune Deficiency= PFAS can suppress immune function, making the body less able to fight off bacterial infections. Studies have shown that children exposed to PFAS may have a reduced immune response to vaccines.

Reproductive health problems= PFAS also affect reproductive health. Exposure to high levels of PFAS can reduce sperm count and quality, and increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia).

How to Reduce Your Exposure to PFAS

To reduce the health risks from PFAS, it is important to minimize exposure in everyday life. This can be done by avoiding products containing PFAS, contacting your local water quality authority to check for PFAS contamination, and heeding related health warnings.