Forever chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are ubiquitous in various everyday products such as school uniforms, food packaging, cosmetics, and personal care items. These chemicals have been found to seep into food and drinking water and can now even penetrate through the skin, potentially entering the bloodstream. Recent research conducted using 3-D human skin models by environmental chemists at the University of Birmingham in England found that some PFAS compounds can indeed cross the skin barrier, suggesting a new route of exposure for humans.
PFAS are a group of human-made chemical compounds known for their nearly indestructible bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms, hence the nickname ‘forever chemicals’. These compounds have been used in a wide range of products since the 1940s but have recently been shown to have harmful effects on human health, posing challenges due to their persistence in the environment. In the United States, exposure to PFAS primarily occurs through ingestion of contaminated drinking water, food packaging, and indoor dust. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines to restrict human consumption of PFAS due to concerns over their levels in drinking water.
Previous studies hinted at the possibility of skin absorption as a form of exposure to PFAS, but research in this area has been limited. The new study looked into 17 PFAS commonly found in products that come into contact with human skin. These chemicals were applied to lab-grown human epidermis cells in various concentrations to assess their ability to permeate the skin barrier. The research found that 11 out of the 17 PFAS were able to cross the skin barrier, with shorter-chain PFAS showing higher absorption rates. This suggests that even alternative PFAS developed to replace the original ‘forever chemicals’ can also be problematic.
While the experiments demonstrated that model skin can absorb PFAS, it may not fully represent real-life scenarios, as actual skin thickness and absorption rates may vary depending on the body area. The experimental doses used were higher than typical exposure levels, chosen for tracking purposes, which could impact the direct applicability of the findings to everyday situations. Despite this, consumers are advised to be mindful of PFAS content in clothing and personal care items, as these products are worn or used for extended periods and could serve as potential sources of exposure.
The study’s results emphasize the need for increased awareness of PFAS exposure through different routes, including the skin. The ability of these chemicals to permeate the skin adds another layer to the complex issue of PFAS exposure and potential health risks. Consumers should be cautious when using products that come into contact with the skin, as even seemingly safer alternatives to traditional PFAS can have unintended consequences. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of skin absorption of PFAS and its impact on human health and the environment.
