Dec. 6, 2023 — So-called “forever chemicals” present in countless consumer products are linked to lower bone mineral density in adolescents over time, in keeping with a brand new study published Wednesday within the journal Environmental research.
The chemicals are so-called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are manufactured and utilized in food packaging, cosmetics and other on a regular basis items. They have previously been linked to reproductive problems, the next risk of cancer and lower bone mineral density in studies that focused totally on older, non-Hispanic white people, in keeping with Eureka Alert.
“This is a population that is woefully understudied in this area of research, despite being at increased risk for bone disease and osteoporosis,” said Vaia Lida Chatzi, MD and senior creator of the study on the Keck School of Medicine at USC.
The researchers examined two groups of young people. Most were Hispanic, who're at higher risk of bone disease in maturity.
In a bunch of 304 adolescents, PFAS exposure was related to lower densities over time. In 137 young adults, this was related to lower baseline density, but not with differences over time.
Researchers say the study highlights that the connection occurs at the same time as bones develop. They are calling for stricter regulation of PFAS, that are present in public drinking water, food and soil nationwide.
As Eureka Alerts reported, bone density increases in adolescents and begins to say no around age 30.
“PFAS are everywhere – we are all exposed to them,” Chatzi said. “We need to eliminate this burden so that our youth can reach their full potential in terms of bone development and avoid osteoporosis later in life.”