Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were created in the 1930s with the desire to monopolize their durable hydrophobic nature, attained through the fluorine-carbon bonding in the alkyl chain, and was quickly utilized in innumerable consumer products (e.g: makeup, lotion, nonstick pans, food containers, carpets, and shampoos). It wasn't until 1970 when traces of PFAS were found in blood tests, that concerns about its ability to endure biodegradation started to arise. Today people are constantly exposed to PFAS chemicals, whether it be through dust build-up in their homes, the products they are consuming, or the water they drink. Its often unbeknownst prevalence has become progressively concerning, affecting not only those interacting with it directly, but also transmitting from one affected individual to another during prenatal development. Research suggests that the internal accumulation of PFAS chemicals will not only become a prominent factor in stunting development, but has also been linked to the suppression of lymphatic and antibody-responsive cells, and the degradation of various organs such as the liver, kidney, and thyroid. Researchers are currently investigating means by which these “forever chemicals” can be broken down and analyzing the intricacies of their toxigenic nature, in order to create awareness and valid evidence towards the dismantling of PFAS in commercial use.
Recommended Citation
Paolino, Daniela, "278-Prevalence of the Toxicokinetic Nature of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on Human Development" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 80.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/80
278-Prevalence of the Toxicokinetic Nature of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on Human Development
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were created in the 1930s with the desire to monopolize their durable hydrophobic nature, attained through the fluorine-carbon bonding in the alkyl chain, and was quickly utilized in innumerable consumer products (e.g: makeup, lotion, nonstick pans, food containers, carpets, and shampoos). It wasn't until 1970 when traces of PFAS were found in blood tests, that concerns about its ability to endure biodegradation started to arise. Today people are constantly exposed to PFAS chemicals, whether it be through dust build-up in their homes, the products they are consuming, or the water they drink. Its often unbeknownst prevalence has become progressively concerning, affecting not only those interacting with it directly, but also transmitting from one affected individual to another during prenatal development. Research suggests that the internal accumulation of PFAS chemicals will not only become a prominent factor in stunting development, but has also been linked to the suppression of lymphatic and antibody-responsive cells, and the degradation of various organs such as the liver, kidney, and thyroid. Researchers are currently investigating means by which these “forever chemicals” can be broken down and analyzing the intricacies of their toxigenic nature, in order to create awareness and valid evidence towards the dismantling of PFAS in commercial use.