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The Connection Between 'Forever Chemicals' and Low-Income Neighbourhoods:
Here's an environmental issue that is as intriguing as it is concerning. A recent US study has found higher concentrations of PFAS, toxic 'forever chemicals', in individuals living close to major industrial polluters, 'superfund' sites, or in areas with limited fresh food access.
Discovering Higher PFAS Levels:
The study examined hundreds of folks down south in California. The revelations were quite stark. Individuals living in areas without close access to a grocery store were found to have 14% higher levels of PFAS in their blood compared to those who lived within half a mile of these stores. Not just that, those domiciled within three miles of superfund sites – locations contaminated with chemicals – possessed up to a whopping 107% higher levels of some PFAS compounds. The story was similar for those living close to facilities known to use PFAS.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals mostly used for making products that are resistant to water, stains, and heat. Officially christened 'forever chemicals' due to their enduring nature, these compounds have been linked to worrisome health conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and birth defects among others.
The Link with Lack of Fresh Food:
Researchers deduced that diet plays a significant role in contributing to higher PFAS levels, particularly in neighbourhoods with limited access to fresh food. More often than not, the easily accessible fast and processed foods in these neighbourhoods contain higher levels of PFAS. These chemicals are used in food wrappings and containers to resist moisture and grease. On the flip side, a diet enriched with fresh foods can potentially help in lowering blood PFAS levels.
PFAS Exposure and Low-Income Neighbourhoods:
Post-doctoral researcher at the University of Southern California, Sherlock Li, underscored that the findings highlight the different PFAS exposure routes in low-income neighbourhoods. The path to a solution isn't an easy one to tread. Li suggested a holistic approach towards PFAS risk mitigation, covering all possible aspects - food, water, soil, and air exposure.
What's Next?
Solutions may be difficult, but they aren't unattainable. Actions such as improving access to fresh foods through community gardens and grocery stores in underprivileged areas or reducing pollution at the source could pave the way for healthier living conditions. Nonetheless, the chemical challenege remains significant, demanding collective actions for effective resolutions.
Here's an environmental issue that is as intriguing as it is concerning. A recent US study has found higher concentrations of PFAS, toxic 'forever chemicals', in individuals living close to major industrial polluters, 'superfund' sites, or in areas with limited fresh food access.
Discovering Higher PFAS Levels:
The study examined hundreds of folks down south in California. The revelations were quite stark. Individuals living in areas without close access to a grocery store were found to have 14% higher levels of PFAS in their blood compared to those who lived within half a mile of these stores. Not just that, those domiciled within three miles of superfund sites – locations contaminated with chemicals – possessed up to a whopping 107% higher levels of some PFAS compounds. The story was similar for those living close to facilities known to use PFAS.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals mostly used for making products that are resistant to water, stains, and heat. Officially christened 'forever chemicals' due to their enduring nature, these compounds have been linked to worrisome health conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and birth defects among others.
The Link with Lack of Fresh Food:
Researchers deduced that diet plays a significant role in contributing to higher PFAS levels, particularly in neighbourhoods with limited access to fresh food. More often than not, the easily accessible fast and processed foods in these neighbourhoods contain higher levels of PFAS. These chemicals are used in food wrappings and containers to resist moisture and grease. On the flip side, a diet enriched with fresh foods can potentially help in lowering blood PFAS levels.
PFAS Exposure and Low-Income Neighbourhoods:
Post-doctoral researcher at the University of Southern California, Sherlock Li, underscored that the findings highlight the different PFAS exposure routes in low-income neighbourhoods. The path to a solution isn't an easy one to tread. Li suggested a holistic approach towards PFAS risk mitigation, covering all possible aspects - food, water, soil, and air exposure.
What's Next?
Solutions may be difficult, but they aren't unattainable. Actions such as improving access to fresh foods through community gardens and grocery stores in underprivileged areas or reducing pollution at the source could pave the way for healthier living conditions. Nonetheless, the chemical challenege remains significant, demanding collective actions for effective resolutions.
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