PFAS contamination Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Bacteria Found to Eat Forever Chemicals & Even Some of Their Toxic Byproducts

The AHA! Team — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:36:09 +0000

University at Buffalo via EurekAlert! – University at Buffalo study shows that strain taken from contaminated soil breaks apart the strong carbon-fluorine bonds of PFAS, as well as some of the shorter-chain PFAS left behind In the quest to take the “forever” out of “forever chemicals,” bacteria might be our ally. Most remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) involves adsorbing and trapping them, but certain microbes can actually break apart the strong chemical bonds that allow these chemicals to persist for so long in the environment. Now, a University at Buffalo-led team has identified a strain of bacteria that can break down and transform at least three types of PFAS, and, perhaps even more crucially, some of the toxic byproducts of the bond-breaking process. A strain of bacteria that can break down and transform at least three types of PFAS Published in this month’s issue of Science of the Total Environment, the team’s study found that Labrys portucalensis F11 (F11) metabolized over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) following an exposure period of 100 days. PFOS is one of the most frequently detected and persistent types of PFAS and was designated hazardous by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last year. The F11 bacteria also broke down a substantial portion of two additional types of PFAS after 100 days: 58% of 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid and 21% of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate. The bond between carbon and fluorine atoms in PFAS is very strong “The bond between carbon and fluorine atoms in PFAS is very strong, so most microbes cannot use it as an energy source. The F11 bacterial strain developed the ability to chop away the fluorine and eat the carbon,” says the study’s corresponding author, Diana Aga, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Henry M. Woodburn Chair in the Department of Chemistry, within the UB College of Arts and Sciences, and director of the UB RENEW Institute. Unlike many prior studies on PFAS-degrading bacteria, Aga’s study accounted for shorter-chain breakdown products — or metabolites. In some cases, F11 even removed fluorine from these metabolites or broke them down to minute, undetectable levels. “Many previous studies have only reported the degradation of PFAS, but not the formation of metabolites. We not only accounted for PFAS byproducts but found some of them continued to be further degraded by the bacteria,” says the study’s first author, Mindula Wijayahena, a PhD student in Aga’s lab. The work was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health. Other collaborators include the Catholic University of Portugal, the University of Pittsburgh and the Waters Corp. Picky eaters learn to like PFAS PFAS are a group of ubiquitous chemicals widely used since the 1950s in everything from nonstick pans to fire-fighting materials. They’re far from the meal of choice for any bacterium, but some that live in contaminated soil have mutated to break down organic contaminants like PFAS so that they can use their carbon as an energy source. “If bacteria survive in a harsh, polluted environment, it’s probably because they have adapted to use surrounding chemical pollutants as a food source so they don’t starve,” Aga says. “Through evolution, some bacteria can develop effective mechanisms to use chemical contaminants to help them grow.” The bacterial strain used in this study, F11, was isolated from the soil of a contaminated industrial site in Portugal and had previously demonstrated the ability to strip fluorine from pharmaceutical contaminants. However, it had never been tested on PFAS. Collaborators from the Catholic University of Portugal placed F11 in sealed flasks with no carbon source aside from 10,000 micrograms per liter of PFAS. Following incubation periods of between 100 to 194 days, the samples were then shipped to UB, where analysis revealed that F11 had degraded some of the PFAS. The elevated levels of fluoride ions detected in these samples indicated that F11 had detached the PFAS’ fluorine atoms so that the bacteria could metabolize the carbon atoms. F11 was not only chopping PFOS into smaller pieces, but also removing the fluorine from those smaller pieces “The carbon-fluorine bond is what makes PFAS so difficult to break down, so to break them apart is a critical step. Crucially, F11 was not only chopping PFOS into smaller pieces, but also removing the fluorine from those smaller pieces,” Wijayahena says. Some of the metabolites left behind still contained fluorine, but after being exposed to PFOS for 194 days, F11 had even removed fluorine from three PFOS metabolites. “As a caveat, there could be other metabolites in these samples so miniscule that they elude current detection methods,” Aga says. Making PFAS a desirable menu item While UB researchers say their study is a good start, they caution that the F11 took 100 days to biodegrade a significant portion of the supplied PFAS, and there were no other carbon sources available for consumption. The team now plans to research how to encourage F11 to consume PFAS faster, even when there are competing energy choices that could increase their growth rate. “We want to investigate the impact of placing alternative carbon sources alongside the PFAS. However, if that carbon source is too abundant and easy to degrade, the bacteria may not need to touch the PFAS at all,” Aga says. “We need to give the F11 colonies enough food to grow, but not enough food that they lose the incentive to convert PFAS into a usable energy source.” Eventually, F11 could be deployed in PFAS-contaminated water and soil. This might involve creating conditions to grow the strain within activated sludge at a wastewater treatment plant, or even injecting the bacteria directly into the soil or groundwater of a contaminated site, a process called bioaugmentation. “In wastewater- activated sludge systems, you could accelerate removal of undesired compounds by adding a specific strain to the existing bacterial consortium in the treatment plants,” Aga says. “Bioaugmentation is a promising method that has not yet been explored for PFAS remediation in the environment.” Journal Science of The Total Environment DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178348 Method of Research To read the original article about Bacteria Found to Eat Forever Chemicals click here.

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Seafood Problem: Surprising Dangers of Excessive Consumption

The AHA! Team — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:08:42 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – While seafood is well-known for its various health benefits, such as its rich omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients, there are risks associated with its consumption that may not be widely recognized. Recent research published in Exposure and Health reveals a significant concern: underestimating exposure to PFAS through seafood. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals found in various consumer products – and apparently in your seafood. This discovery highlights the need for further investigation and awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with high-seafood diets. Researchers’ startling discovery of PFAS in seafood The study aimed to assess seafood consumption patterns among New Hampshire residents and the associated PFAS exposure. The researchers conducted a population-based survey involving 1,829 adults and children aged 2-11 in June 2021. The survey collected data on seafood consumption frequency, portion sizes, types, and sources. After determining the most commonly consumed seafood species, the researchers purchased these species from a seafood market in Portsmouth, NH. They then analyzed the purchased seafood for 26 different PFAS compounds to quantify their presence. The researchers calculated hazard quotients for PFAS compounds with available health guidance values to assess the potential health risk posed by seafood consumption. Key findings from the study include: Among adults, 95% reported consuming seafood within the last year, with shrimp, haddock, salmon, and canned tuna being the most frequently consumed types. Based on consumption frequencies and meal sizes, the researchers estimated daily seafood consumption rates for adults (median: 33.9 g/day) and children (median: 5.0 g/day), which were somewhat higher than national estimates for the Northeastern US. PFAS were detected in shrimp and lobster purchased from the local market, with median concentrations ranging from below the detection limit to 1.74 ng/g for shrimp and 3.30 ng/g for lobster. Hazard quotients suggested that high seafood consumers may be exposed to PFAS concentrations that potentially pose a health risk. Is your favorite seafood safe from PFAS contamination? The plight of shellfish living along the seafloor is tragic as they become the unwitting carriers of higher PFAS levels. These contaminants are then ingested by larger fish like salmon and tuna, endangering our favorite seafood choices. The presence of PFAS in our seafood not only raises alarm about its safety but also serves as a stark reminder of the broader issue of environmental contamination. It’s a call to action for stronger regulations to shield our food supply from harmful chemicals, urging us to advocate for sustainable fishing practices and rigorous monitoring of seafood safety standards to safeguard public health. Protect your health by minimizing PFAS exposure In the battle to minimize exposure to PFAS, it’s crucial to recognize that while it may be impossible to completely eliminate these chemicals from seafood and consumer products, there’s hope for change. Public health guidelines need to be revamped to reduce PFAS exposure, especially in coastal areas like New England, where industries have contaminated countless fish with these “forever chemicals.” While avoiding seafood altogether is an option, it would leave a significant gap in essential lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for human health. As a consumer, you can take steps to minimize PFAS exposure. For instance, avoid freshwater fish, especially those caught in or near urban areas where PFAS are prevalent. Additionally, opt for alternatives to nonstick cookware, as they often contain PFAS. Transitioning to ceramic pots and pans can significantly reduce PFAS exposure while still allowing for efficient cooking. While it may not be practical to create your own backyard pond stocked with untainted fish, you have the power to make informed choices that protect your health and the environment. Sources for this article include: Link.springer.com Medicalxpress.com To read the original article click here.

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Can ‘Forever Chemicals’ Be Destroyed? Promising Research Says Perhaps!

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 07:00:15 +0000

Leah Zerbe, MS, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES via Dr. Axe – A new analysis by Consumer Reports found that toxic “forever chemicals” still lurk in supermarket and fast food containers, despite mounting public health outcries to remove it. Used for its grease-proof properties, food packaging like paper wrappings and cardboard boxes are often coated with the nonstick chemical to keep it from seeping through and getting on your hands and clothing. That may sound like a good thing at first glance, but it readily migrates into food, and there’s now plenty of evidence linking this chemical class to a host of health woes. The Consumer Reports update is the latest evidence showing that this “unbreakable” chemical is ubiquitous — it’s even found in burger wrappers and salad bowls! Other recent reports show that “forever chemicals” linked to immune system damage, cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility and thyroid disruption are routinely detected in everyday products like yoga pants, bedding, tablecloths and more, too. The worst part of all of this is that this chemical application really isn’t necessary in the first place. And it’s so widespread that, today, PFAS contamination is found inside most of us, too. However, there is some good news. Researchers have found that a common ingredient in soap may help destroy these dangerous “forever chemicals.” According to Science: Researchers led by William Dichtel and Brittany Trang, chemists at Northwestern University, studied numerous recipes involving DMSO. One combined a little bit of the solvent with sodium hydroxide, a common component of soap, in water. When the team heated the mix to boiling temperature, it readily degraded one of the largest subsets of PFAS compounds. The researchers noted it does not work for all PFAS but does for some. What Are Forever Chemicals? Types of forever chemicals are known as PFAS. They are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with the following properties: water-resistance heat-resistance oil-resistance Even the American Chemistry Society admits: “The chemistry that makes them so useful also makes them stick around in the environment and in us — and that could be a bad thing.” PFAS are used commonly in: fire-fighting foams rain coats shoes and boots nonstick cookware stain-proof carpeting and clothing fast-food packaging (which means there are forever chemicals in food) Due to their persistence and widespread use, forever chemicals are now also a tap water toxicity problem. Just like phthalates, another widespread chemical group, it seems PFAS started off as a good thing, but without proper testing for long-term impacts on human and environmental health, we unleashed a monster. Test Findings Consumer Reports tested more than 100 food packaging products from restaurant and grocery chains. PFAS contamination was detected in at least some packaging from every single chain tested. The dangerous grease-proof chemical turned up in things like: French fry cartons and bags Molded fiber salad bowls Sandwich wrappers Paper bags for chips Single-use paper plates And more Even companies that have vowed to eliminate PFAS wrappers tested positive at low levels, likely because the “forever chemical” is widespread in the environment now and contamination is inevitable. PFAS contamination is in the air, water, soil (and inside of us!) due to sending it to landfills, incinerating it (often in Black and Brown neighborhoods, which is an environmental justice issue), and runoff pollution that winds up in crops. Working within the U.S.’s weak chemical regulation system also means that industry is always several steps ahead of public policy. “Trying to ban individual PFAS is an impossible game of whack-a-mole. As soon as one is addressed, industry comes up with another.” Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports Separate testing by Toxic-Free Future also delivered some key findings recently, including: Out of the “stain-” or “water-resistant” products tested, 72% tested positive for PFAS. These included hiking pants, mattress pads, comforters, rain jackets, tablecloths and napkins. At least one product from each of the 10 retailers tested contained PFAS. Manufacturers are using a mixture of PFAS that includes compounds banned in other countries. Alternatives to PFAS for stain and water resistance are in use. Toxic-Free Future items marketed as stain- and/or water-resistant were free of PFAS. A separate PFAS investigation from Environmental Health News and Mamavation found: Evidence of PFAS in women’s sportswear like yoga pants from popular brands, including Old Navy and Lululemon. 25 percent of the activewear tested positive in an EPA-certified lab for indications of PFAS. Workout leggings and yoga pants tested positive, including brands from Old Navy and Lululemon. Why Are They Dangerous? PFAS chemicals are linked to: Harm to the immune system Reduced vaccine efficacy Reproductive system damage Reduced fertility Lower birth weight Increased risk of certain cancers Metabolism problems Weight gain Impaired healthy cholesterol levels How to Avoid Them If you’re wondering how to avoid forever chemicals, the answer is it’s virtually impossible at this time. Today, PFAS chemicals are even detected in groundwater, tap water, rain water and even the air. They’ve traveled around the atmosphere and rained down on even our most primitive locations all over the planet. It’s no wonder they’re inside of most of us, too. “These toxic chemicals are so ubiquitous that it’s now literally raining PFAS,” said Scott Faber, Environmental Working Group’s senior vice president for government affairs. “While we’re heartened that the Biden administration and the EPA continue to make PFAS a priority, to truly tackle this national PFAS pollution crisis, we need a whole-of-government approach that includes the Department of Defense, the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.” Sign here to tell Congress to stop the PFAS contamination crisis. Limit meals of takeout food. If you do get takeout, transfer it out of the packaging as soon as possible. Tell companies like REI to ban the use of PFAS. Avoid nonstick cookware. Opt for PFAS-free outerwear from companies like Patagonia. Check your municipal water tests for PFAS contamination, and form a community group to pressure decision-makers to clean up the problem. Avoid anything labeled as “stain-proof” or “water-proof” unless you can verify the manufacturer used a safer, PFAS-free alternative. Conclusion There are more than 9,000 forever chemicals out there. They are so widespread that 99% of Americans contain PFAS inside of their bodies. Studies show PFAS exposure may cause thyroid issues, weight gain and certain cancers, and high cholesterol is linked to PFAS exposure as well. Watch out for “stain-proof” and “waterproof” claims. Some yoga pants, mattress pads and comforters tested positive. You can do your best to avoid PFAS chemicals, but public health experts say we need stronger laws and a nationwide plan to deal with PFAS pollution. Use this guide for more information on how to protect yourself from this widespread pollution. To read the original article click here.

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