A new study has uncovered a concerning link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, and the human immune system. Researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Germany have found that PFAS can significantly reduce the activity of immune cells, potentially impairing overall health. The study, published in Chemosphere, also introduces a novel method that could be used to assess the immunomodulatory effects of other chemicals. With PFAS being detected in the blood of nearly everyone in the world, the long-term health implications of these chemicals are still unknown.
PFAS, which are resistant to water, stains, and grease, have been linked to various health issues, including high cholesterol levels, thyroid dysregulation, gestational hypertension, ulcerative colitis, and certain cancers. The risks are particularly concerning for children, who may experience reduced immune response after vaccinations due to exposure to PFAS. The study conducted by Dr. Gunda Herberth and her team clearly demonstrates that PFAS can diminish the activity of immune cells, making it easier for pathogens to invade the body and potentially hindering the production of antibodies. As a result, the reduced immune response to vaccination could be explained.
Scientists Find Link Between Forever Chemicals and Reduced Immune Activity
A recent study conducted by researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, Germany, has revealed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, can reduce the activity of human immune cells. PFAS are a class of chemicals that are resistant to degradation, leading to their accumulation in the environment and human bodies. The study, published in the journal Chemosphere, not only shed light on the detrimental effects of PFAS on immune function but also introduced a new method that could be used to assess the immunomodulatory effects of other chemicals.
Dr. Gunda Herberth, an environmental immunologist involved in the study, explained that PFAS are found almost everywhere in the world, including remote locations like Antarctica, due to their resistance to biodegradation. These chemicals can enter the human body through various routes such as food, drinking water, and air. The researchers exposed immune cells obtained from healthy donors to mixtures of PFAS for 20 hours and then assessed their activity. The results showed that the cells exposed to PFAS exhibited significantly lower activity compared to untreated cells. The effects were most pronounced when all six PFAS were combined, indicating a compounded effect.
The study identified specific types of immune cells that were affected by PFAS, namely mucosa-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) and T helper cells. MAIT cells play a crucial role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity, while T helper cells activate other immune cells. The reduced activity of these cells caused by PFAS could compromise immune response, making it easier for pathogens to invade the body. Furthermore, PFAS could also hinder the production of antibodies, which could explain the diminished immune response to vaccinations.
The significance of this study lies in the widespread presence of PFAS and their potential health risks. PFAS are known to be toxic at extremely low levels and have been linked to various health conditions, including high cholesterol, thyroid dysregulation, hypertension, ulcerative colitis, and certain cancers. Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of PFAS, with reduced immune response after vaccinations being a concern. The findings from this study emphasize the need for further research and regulatory testing on the immunotoxic and immunomodulatory effects of chemicals like PFAS.
Efforts are already underway to address the issue of forever chemicals. Some studies have explored methods of disposing of PFAS, including the use of fungi. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed establishing a standard for PFAS in drinking water. The researchers involved in the study plan to simulate PFAS mixtures and concentrations found in human blood to better understand their effects on immune cells. They believe that incorporating tests for immunomodulatory effects into regulatory procedures is essential, as many diseases can be attributed to a dysregulated immune system. With their study and the development of a practical testing method, they hope to contribute to the advancement of such testing and assessment.
In conclusion, the recent study highlights the negative impact of PFAS on immune cell activity and emphasizes the need for further investigation into the immunotoxic effects of these chemicals. The findings also underscore the importance of regulating and monitoring the presence of forever chemicals like PFAS in the environment and human exposure routes. By understanding the mechanisms by which PFAS impair immune function, researchers hope to develop strategies to mitigate their adverse effects and safeguard human health.
Takeaways:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, can reduce the activity of human immune cells.
- PFAS are resistant to degradation, leading to their accumulation in the environment and human bodies.
- PFAS can enter the human body through food, drinking water, and air.
- The study found that immune cells exposed to PFAS showed significantly lower activity compared to untreated cells.
- PFAS affect specific types of immune cells, including mucosa-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) and T helper cells.
- PFAS have been linked to various health conditions, and children are particularly vulnerable to their adverse effects.
- Efforts are underway to address the issue, including disposal methods and establishing standards for PFAS in drinking water.
- Further research and regulatory testing on the immunotoxic effects of PFAS and other chemicals are needed.
