Brief Report - (2025) Volume 11, Issue 1
Received: 30-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. jefc-25-163051;
Editor assigned: 01-Jan-2025, Pre QC No. P-163051;
Reviewed: 15-Jan-2025, QC No. Q-163051;
Revised: 20-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. R-163051;
Published:
27-Jan-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2472-0542.2025.11.521
Citation: Matin, Scheibly. “PFASs and their Global Impact: Current Research on Health Effects and Food System Regulations.” J Exp Food Chem 11 (2025): 521.
Copyright: © 2025 Matin S. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) represent a group of synthetic chemicals that have become ubiquitous in the environment, raising significant concerns regarding their impact on human health and the environment. These chemicals are known for their unique chemical properties, including water, oil and heat resistance, which have made them valuable in a wide array of industrial and consumer products. However, their persistence in the environment, combined with mounting evidence of harmful health effects, has led to growing scrutiny from both scientific communities and regulatory bodies worldwide. This article explores the current state of research on PFASs, with a particular focus on their long-term health effects and the regulation of food systems to mitigate their impact. We will also examine the challenges of managing PFAS contamination and the regulatory efforts being made to address this global environmental and public health issue [1].
PFASs are a large family of man-made chemicals that include thousands of different compounds. These substances share a common feature: a carbonfluorine bond, which is one of the strongest bonds in chemistry, making them highly resistant to degradation. As a result, PFASs are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment for extended periods without breaking down naturally. This resistance to degradation leads to their widespread presence in water, air, soil and wildlife and contributes to the challenges in managing their contamination. PFASs are found in a wide range of consumer products, including non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon), stainresistant fabrics, water-repellent clothing, firefighting foam and even food packaging materials. The chemicals are also used in industrial applications such as electronics, textiles and paper manufacturing. Due to their prevalence, PFASs can be found in various environments, including drinking water sources, agricultural land and even within the human body, where they accumulate over time [2].
The potential health risks associated with PFASs have garnered significant attention in recent years. Research has shown that exposure to these chemicals can have both acute and long-term health consequences. The primary route of exposure is through contaminated drinking water, but food, air and consumer products can also serve as sources of exposure. One of the most concerning health effects of PFAS exposure is their potential link to various forms of cancer. Epidemiological studies have suggested that longterm exposure to certain PFASs may increase the risk of developing cancers, particularly kidney and testicular cancers. These findings have prompted calls for stricter regulations and more comprehensive research into the cancercausing potential of PFASs. Research conducted by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated a possible association between PFAS exposure and the development of prostate, liver and ovarian cancers, although more studies are needed to confirm these relationships. The evidence linking PFASs to cancer risks has led to increasing awareness and concern among the public, particularly in communities near industrial sites or military bases where PFAS contamination is prevalent. PFASs have been shown to interfere with the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormones in the body. Studies suggest that exposure to these chemicals can disrupt normal hormonal function, particularly thyroid hormones, which are critical for metabolism, growth and development. Changes in thyroid function have been associated with developmental delays, changes in metabolism and an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Research has also suggested that PFASs may influence the production of other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, which could lead to reproductive and developmental issues. For instance, some studies have shown that prenatal exposure to PFASs may lead to low birth weight, developmental delays and changes in immune system function in children [3].
Another significant concern associated with PFAS exposure is their potential to weaken the immune system. Studies have found that PFASs can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines. In particular, the chemicals have been linked to a reduced response to vaccines, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. This immune suppression is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems. In addition to cancer and endocrine disruption, PFAS exposure has been associated with several chronic health conditions, including high cholesterol, liver damage, kidney disease and obesity. Research has also indicated a possible connection between PFASs and an increased risk of hypertension, particularly in pregnant women, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia. The cumulative health impacts of PFAS exposure over time suggest that these chemicals may contribute to a wide range of chronic diseases, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation and regulatory intervention to protect public health [4].
In many areas, drinking water sources are contaminated with PFASs due to industrial discharges, firefighting foam use, or the contamination of local water sources. Agricultural operations that rely on contaminated water for irrigation may also transfer PFASs into crops, which then enter the food chain. This is of particular concern for crops that are grown in contaminated areas, such as leafy vegetables, grains and root vegetables, as they have a high potential for absorbing PFASs from the soil or irrigation water. Another significant route of PFAS contamination in food is through packaging materials, particularly in products that are packaged in grease-resistant or water-resistant materials. Fast food packaging, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and candy wrappers are known to sometimes contain PFASs, leading to direct contamination of the food inside. Additionally, PFASs can migrate from food packaging into the food itself during storage, cooking, or consumption. The ability of PFASs to persist over long periods means that even small amounts of contamination in food packaging can accumulate in the human body over time. The FDA has conducted surveillance programs to monitor PFAS levels in food products, particularly in the food supply chain and has recommended that food producers take steps to minimize PFAS exposure. However, regulatory standards for PFAS contamination in food and water are still evolving and there are calls for more robust policies to address these challenges on a global scale [5].
PFASs are a class of chemicals with widespread applications, but their persistence in the environment and potential health risks present significant challenges. As research continues to uncover the health effects of PFAS exposure, it becomes increasingly clear that these chemicals pose a major threat to human health and ecosystems worldwide. Efforts to regulate and mitigate PFAS contamination, particularly in food systems, are essential to protecting public health. With ongoing research and international cooperation, it is possible to reduce the global impact of PFASs, ensuring safer food systems and healthier communities for future generations.
None.
There is no conflict of interest by author.
Journal of Experimental Food Chemistry received 389 citations as per Google Scholar report
