Read the full article by Inside Precision Medicine
“New research shows that two types of per-and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS), or ‘forever chemicals,’ spurred cancer cells to migrate to new positions in lab and mouse studies, an indication that the chemicals could contribute to cancer metastasis. The work was spurred by the fact that firefighters experience this type of cancer at higher rates than the general population and are heavily exposed to PFAS at work.
PFAS make up the prevalent group of persistent forever chemicals—organic pollutants that do not break down in the environment and can build up in the body. In a study in Environmental Science and Technology, a team from Yale University studied the link between PFAS and colorectal cancer to learn more about the relationship between the two.
In a series of experiments led by the lab of senior author Caroline Johnson, the team observed the effects of colorectal cancer cells immersed in low-dose and high-dose PFAS solutions for up to seven days, including perflurooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA). Both have been used in firefighting foam and many other products. Notably, the researchers used exposure levels similar to those detected in firefighters and others in frequent contact with PFAS, such as people living near landfills, airports, military bases, or wastewater treatment plants.” …