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Table Of Contents
- Are PFAS Absorbed Through the Skin?
- Where Does PFAS Accumulate in the Body?
- PFAS Injuries & Side Effects
- How Do I Lower PFAS in My Blood?
- How Can I Excrete PFAS?
- Does Sweating Remove PFAS?
- Does Everyone’s Blood Have PFAS?
- FAQs
- 1. Where do PFAS accumulate in the body?
- 2. How do I lower PFAS in my blood?
- 3. How can I excrete PFAS?
- 4. Does sweating remove PFAS?
- 5. Does everyone’s blood have PFAS?
- 6. How do PFAS enter the environment?
- 7. What products commonly contain PFAS?
- 8. How can I reduce my exposure to PFAS?
- 9. What water filters remove PFAS?
- Get a Free PFAS Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Are PFAS Absorbed Through the Skin?
Based on the available scientific data, small amounts of PFAS can enter your body from skin contacting water that has been contaminated with the substances.
Additionally, most PFAS do not evaporate into the air from water readily. Therefore, showering, bathing, or washing dishes in water containing PFAS may increase exposure.
Related Article: PFAS Lawsuit Update
Where Does PFAS Accumulate in the Body?
Recent studies have found that lung tissues typically accumulate the highest concentration of PFAS [1].
However, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have also been found to build up in liver and bone tissue.
PFAS Injuries & Side Effects
PFAS exposure through skin absorption and other pathways has been linked to numerous serious health conditions that can develop over time as these chemicals accumulate in the body.
- Cancer: Increased risk of kidney, testicular, and other cancers following long-term PFAS exposure.
- Liver Damage: Elevated liver enzymes and potential development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Immune System Dysfunction: Weakened immune responses and reduced vaccine effectiveness.
- Thyroid Disorders: Disruption of thyroid hormone production affecting metabolism and energy regulation.
- Elevated Cholesterol: Abnormally high cholesterol levels even in otherwise healthy individuals.
- Reproductive Problems: Decreased fertility, pregnancy complications, and developmental issues.
- Hormonal Disruption: Interference with normal hormone function affecting multiple body systems.
- Developmental Effects: Reduced birth weight and potential neurodevelopmental impacts in children.
The health effects of PFAS are particularly concerning because these chemicals can remain in the body for years after exposure, with elimination primarily occurring through urine, and to a lesser extent through feces and breast milk.
How Do I Lower PFAS in My Blood?
Regular blood or plasma donation may reduce PFAS levels in blood serum, according to findings published recently in JAMA Open Network [2].
For the study, investigators in Australia randomly assigned 285 firefighters with a PFOS serum level of 5 ng/mL to donate blood, and plasma or be observed for 12 months.
Patients in the plasma group donated every 6 weeks, while patients in the blood group donated every 12 weeks.
At the end of the study period, patients in the plasma group saw a 2.9 ng/mL decrease in the mean PFOS level, while patients in the blood donation group had an average decrease of 1.1 ng/mL; the mean PFOS level was unchanged in the observation group.
How Can I Excrete PFAS?
PFAS is primarily eliminated through the urine, with smaller amounts eliminated in feces and breast milk. The elimination half-life of PFAS compounds (the time it takes for the amount of PFAS in the body to be reduced by 50%) is shorter in females than in males.
Does Sweating Remove PFAS?
Perspiration induced from exercise and other physical activities has not been found to remove any of the common PFAS — PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), or PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) — from the human body.
Does Everyone’s Blood Have PFAS?
PFAS are dangerous because they don’t break down easily and can stay in the environment and in the human body for a long time (months or even years).
Studies have found them worldwide at very low levels in just about everyone’s blood.
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FAQs
1. Where do PFAS accumulate in the body?
PFAS tend to accumulate in various organs and tissues. Research shows the highest concentrations often build up in the lungs, but compounds like PFOS and PFOA are also commonly found in the liver and bones. These chemicals can remain in the body for many years due to their long half-lives.
2. How do I lower PFAS in my blood?
Some studies suggest that donating blood or plasma may help reduce PFAS levels. Plasma donation every six weeks showed a greater reduction in PFOS levels than donating whole blood every twelve weeks, based on data from a 2022 JAMA Open Network study.
3. How can I excrete PFAS?
The body removes PFAS primarily through urine. Smaller amounts may also be excreted in feces and breast milk. The speed of elimination varies by compound and individual characteristics like sex, but generally, PFAS remain in the body for months to several years.
4. Does sweating remove PFAS?
There is no scientific evidence that sweating—through exercise, saunas, or other means—effectively removes PFAS from the body. Common compounds like PFHxS, PFOS, and PFOA do not appear to be excreted through perspiration.
5. Does everyone’s blood have PFAS?
Yes, nearly everyone in the U.S. has PFAS in their bloodstream. According to CDC data, about 97% of Americans tested had detectable levels of these chemicals, largely due to their widespread use and environmental persistence.
6. How do PFAS enter the environment?
PFAS are released through industrial processes, the use of firefighting foam, leachate from landfills, and wastewater treatment plant discharge. Once in the environment, they can contaminate water, soil, and air, spreading widely and persisting over time.
7. What products commonly contain PFAS?
PFAS are found in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant upholstery and carpet, water-repellent outerwear, fast food packaging, some types of makeup, and various household cleaning products. Their widespread use contributes to both environmental contamination and human exposure.
8. How can I reduce my exposure to PFAS?
Use water filters certified to reduce PFAS, avoid non-stick pans—especially damaged ones—limit fast food and microwave popcorn, and avoid products labeled as stain- or water-resistant unless clearly marked PFAS-free. Checking ingredient labels and manufacturer disclosures also helps.
9. What water filters remove PFAS?
Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS, often reducing them by more than 90%. High-quality activated carbon filters can also work, but performance depends on the specific PFAS compounds and filter brand. Look for filters certified by NSF International for PFAS reduction.
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Get a Free PFAS Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by PFAS contamination, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
Reference:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11291370/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2790905