Asian Americans Found to Have Higher Levels of PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Their Blood, Study Shows
Thu 24 Aug 2023 13.00 BST
According to a groundbreaking study, Asian Americans in the United States likely have significantly higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in their blood compared to other races and ethnicities. The research, which utilized a novel method for measuring PFAS exposure, found that the median level of PFAS was 88% higher among Asian Americans than among non-Hispanic whites.
Unlike standard methods used by the US government and most of the scientific community, this peer-reviewed study factored in sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioral characteristics into its algorithm. As a result, it provided a more sensitive measure of exposure differences among diverse cultures. These exposure differences are often missed by conventional methods.
“We should think about exposure heterogeneity when we think about quantifying people’s cumulative PFAS burden to make sure that things are fair for everybody,” said Shelley Liu, a researcher focusing on PFAS and lead author of the study from Mount Sinai.
PFAS are a class of approximately 15,000 compounds commonly used to make products resistant to water, stains, and grease. These chemicals have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including cancer, birth defects, decreased immunity, high cholesterol, and kidney disease. Due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
While the federal government estimates that virtually all Americans have some level of PFAS in their blood, only about 40 types of these chemicals can be measured using current technology. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently implemented recommendations regarding medical testing for PFAS exposure. However, these guidelines are based on eight common chemicals and do not account for the thousands of other chemicals that different population subgroups in the US may be exposed to for varying reasons.
The study’s more sensitive methodology, known as item response theory, is better equipped to account for these population-specific exposures. It highlights the importance of adapting the algorithm used to measure PFAS burden in humans. Failing to do so may hinder efforts by clinicians and scientists to help vulnerable communities reduce their PFAS burden.
The exact reason why Asian Americans have higher levels of PFAS in their blood is still unclear and warrants further research. However, it is known that fish consumption is a significant source of PFAS exposure. Therefore, populations with higher levels of seafood in their diets generally exhibit higher PFAS levels. Additionally, variations in PFAS usage and regulations among different countries may play a role, given the immigration history of certain population groups.
The study also found that lower-income Asian Americans have higher median PFAS levels in their blood compared to wealthier counterparts. However, among the broader population, higher-income individuals generally show an elevated PFAS burden. Furthermore, there was no statistical disparity in PFAS levels between non-Hispanic Black and white individuals, while Mexican Americans exhibited lower levels than white individuals. These findings underscore the importance of conducting research with a more rigorous approach to uncover disparities among different populations.
The implications of this research are significant, as it highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of PFAS exposure among diverse communities. By addressing the unique challenges and specific exposure profiles of different populations, public health officials, clinicians, and scientists can develop targeted interventions and strategies to reduce the health impacts of PFAS.