Read the full article (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics)

“Over the past 15 years, scientists who have reviewed data on increased rates of cancer, endocrine disruption, birth defects or complications of pregnancy, among other adverse outcomes, have found evidence that shows chemical exposure has negative impacts on women and children’s health. During pregnancy, chemicals stored in a woman’s body may cross the placenta, while during breastfeeding, stored lipophilic chemicals may accumulate in milk and be shared with feeding infants. As with methyl mercury, these chemical transfers may result in long-term conditions in children.

PFAS and the risk to human health

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large class of thousands of industrial chemicals that are recognised by many prominent scientists and agencies as toxicants.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5] Extreme persistence is the defining characteristic of this class of compounds, but they can also be highly mobile, bio-accumulative and hazardous.

PFAS are known as ‘forever chemicals’ – synthetic compounds that do not readily degrade, but instead migrate to, accumulate in and contaminate human environments.[6] Known pathways of human exposure to PFAS include ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation of contaminated air or dust, contact with contaminated soils, and hand or skin exposure to PFAS-containing household dust and consumer products.[7]

Many of the most-studied PFAS persist in human tissue for years, with serum half-lives ranging from several years to decades.1 PFAS cross the placenta, are detected in cord serum, and are transmitted to newborns and infants via contaminated breast milk.[8] 

Human toxicity to PFAS derives from the inherent properties of the chemicals, as well as their prevalence in consumer products. PFAS are widely used in cosmetics, waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics and clothing, grease- and water-resistant food packaging and non-stick cookware, as well as in firefighting foam and industrial applications. Their extreme persistence and widespread use has resulted in PFAS being ubiquitous globally…”[9],[10],[11]