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Pfas

All articles tagged with #pfas

PFAS found on 37% of California produce, fueling push for pesticide bans by 2035
environment13 days ago

PFAS found on 37% of California produce, fueling push for pesticide bans by 2035

An Environmental Working Group analysis found PFAS residues in 37% of conventional California produce, led by peaches, plums, nectarines, strawberries and grapes, prompting a bill to ban PFAS as active pesticide ingredients by 2035 and to require warnings. Health effects are not well understood and exposure may involve multiple PFAS compounds, while advocates argue the legislation would push farming away from persistent chemicals.

Forever Chemicals Found in Everyday Produce, Shopper’s Guide Warns
world17 days ago

Forever Chemicals Found in Everyday Produce, Shopper’s Guide Warns

A 2026 Shopper’s Guide from the Environmental Working Group flags PFAS (forever chemicals) and other pesticide residues on common fruits and vegetables, with spinach and kale topping the Dirty Dozen and items like strawberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, cherries, apples, and pears also contaminated; the guide highlights the Clean Fifteen as lower‑residue options, while regulators note action when levels pose health concerns.

PFAS detected on majority of Dirty Dozen produce in new pesticide report
health17 days ago

PFAS detected on majority of Dirty Dozen produce in new pesticide report

EWG’s 2026 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, using USDA data from 54,344 samples across 47 fruits/vegetables, finds pesticide residues on nearly all Dirty Dozen items, with spinach topping the list and an average of four or more pesticides per item. In a first for the report, more than 60% of Dirty Dozen samples contained PFAS (“forever chemicals”), which have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, obesity, and other health issues. The EPA sets safety margins and says most produce remains well below limits, while AFF argues residues are not unsafe. To reduce exposure, experts recommend choosing more of the Clean Fifteen, buying organic versions of the Dirty Dozen when possible, and washing all produce thoroughly before eating.

PFAS exposure linked to weaker bone density in children, study finds
health25 days ago

PFAS exposure linked to weaker bone density in children, study finds

A new study suggests common 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) may reduce bone mineral density in kids, especially in the forearm. In 218 children followed from birth, researchers measured PFAS levels at birth and ages 3, 8, and 12, finding higher PFAS exposure generally associated with lower bone density at age 12. Timing mattered for different PFAS compounds, with some exposures at age 3 linked to higher bone density later, while recent exposure near preteen years linked to weaker bones. The mechanisms may involve endocrine disruption or PFAS accumulating in bone; long-term effects like fractures or osteoporosis remain uncertain. Practical steps to reduce exposure include water filtration and avoiding PFAS-heavy consumer products.

Ditching Forever Chemicals: how PFAS-free gear keeps you warm and dry
environment1 month ago

Ditching Forever Chemicals: how PFAS-free gear keeps you warm and dry

An explainer on PFAS in outdoor clothing and the push to PFAS-free options, detailing how traditional PFAS-based membranes (like Gore-Tex) work, why bans are spreading, and practical PFAS-free substitutes (PU membranes, ePE, directional fabrics, and natural fibers such as OPTIM wool and Ventile cotton). The article notes most people don't need PFAS gear, but careful maintenance is required for PFAS-free options; price and durability vary, with PFAS-free gear lasting well with proper care.

Some PFAS Chemicals May Speed Up Biological Aging in Middle-Aged Men, Study Finds
science1 month ago

Some PFAS Chemicals May Speed Up Biological Aging in Middle-Aged Men, Study Finds

A Shanghai Jiao Tong University–led study using US NHANES data links higher blood levels of PFNA and PFOSA to faster epigenetic aging in men aged 50–64, with no similar effect in women; while it shows association, not causation, the findings suggest some newer PFAS alternatives may pose aging risks and underscore the need to limit exposure and study chemical mixtures.

Forever chemicals may age men faster in their 50s, new research suggests
health1 month ago

Forever chemicals may age men faster in their 50s, new research suggests

A Frontiers in Aging study links PFAS “forever chemicals”—present in the blood of about 98% of Americans—to accelerated epigenetic aging, with the strongest effects in men aged 50–65. Using NHANES data from 1999–2000 and 11 PFAS measured in blood, researchers found sex-specific associations and smaller signals in women. Experts caution the findings show associations, not causation, and regulatory bodies describe them as exploratory. Practical reductions in exposure (such as certified water filters and limiting contact with stain- or grease-resistant materials) are considered reasonable, though complete avoidance is unlikely; broader regulatory actions may be needed to curb PFAS exposure.

health-and-medicine1 month ago

Cancer-Linked Chemicals Found in Nearly All Tested Headphones

A European study tested 81 headphones and found BPA in 98% of samples and its substitute BPS in more than three-quarters, with these chemicals migrating into wearers through skin contact—especially with in-ear models—raising concerns about long‑term risks like endocrine disruption, feminization, early puberty, cancer and organ damage. Regulators and manufacturers are urged to demand safer materials and transparency, with TOX-Free LIFE for All pushing bans; Bose and Panasonic were contacted for comment.

New Findings Show Prenatal PFAS Exposure Is More Widespread Than Previously Realized
science1 month ago

New Findings Show Prenatal PFAS Exposure Is More Widespread Than Previously Realized

A non-targeted screening of umbilical cord blood from 120 newborns (2003–2006) identified 42 PFAS compounds, revealing broader prenatal exposure than previously known. The researchers developed PFAS-omics burden scores to estimate total fetal PFAS burden and found no difference by maternal parity, underscoring the need for improved screening and more research on health effects tied to exposure.

Silent Global Rain: CFC Replacements Spawn Planet-Wide Forever Chemicals
environment2 months ago

Silent Global Rain: CFC Replacements Spawn Planet-Wide Forever Chemicals

Lancaster-led research estimates about 335,500 tonnes of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) formed from CFC replacements and certain anesthetics and deposited worldwide between 2000–2022, with the amount likely rising for decades; Arctic ice cores and global rainfall data show widespread distribution, underscoring TFA's persistence and potential ecological/health risks and prompting calls for international monitoring and action.

CFC Replacements Spawn Global Forever Chemical, Study Warns
environment2 months ago

CFC Replacements Spawn Global Forever Chemical, Study Warns

A Geophysical Research Letters study shows that substitutes for ozone-depleting CFCs—such as HCFCs and HFCs used in refrigeration and industry—degrade into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent pollutant that accumulates worldwide through atmospheric transport, reaching remote areas like the Arctic and entering water bodies. The rising TFA levels raise risks for aquatic life and human health, prompting calls for broader monitoring and international regulation as the use of newer refrigerants continues to grow.

Private wells across the U.S. tainted by PFAS “forever chemicals” go undetected
climate2 months ago

Private wells across the U.S. tainted by PFAS “forever chemicals” go undetected

A sweeping AP investigation finds that PFAS, the so‑called forever chemicals, are quietly contaminating drinking water wells across the United States, including many private wells that homeowners may not test or even know are contaminated, raising health concerns and exposing gaps in monitoring and accountability that communities are pushing to close.

Swedish Study Links Forever Chemicals to Increased Risk of MS
health2 months ago

Swedish Study Links Forever Chemicals to Increased Risk of MS

A Swedish study analyzed blood from 907 newly diagnosed MS patients and 907 controls, measuring 24 PFAS compounds and seven PCB byproducts. Higher levels of PFAS (notably PFOS) and certain PCB byproducts were linked to roughly double the odds of an MS diagnosis, with the strongest risk when multiple PFAS/byproducts were present, indicating a chemical ‘toxic synergy.’ A gene variant associated with lower MS risk amplified the effect of PFOS exposure, suggesting gene–environment interactions. PFOS and hydroxylated PCBs can cross the blood–brain barrier and may trigger oxidative stress in the brain, potentially contributing to MS symptoms. The study underscores considering chemical mixtures, not single substances, in disease risk; it was published in Environment International.