"Forever chemicals," or PFAS, have been linked to adverse health impacts that vary by gender, affecting men and women differently.
Sharon Udasin and Rachel Frazin report for The Hill.
In short:
- PFAS exposure increases testicular cancer risk in men and affects the female reproductive system, potentially causing birth defects and menstrual changes.
- Higher PFAS levels in women have been linked to increased melanoma diagnoses, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues, while prenatal exposure could lead to congenital effects in children.
- Studies suggest that PFAS might have different impacts based on gender, indicating a need for further research into sex-specific effects.
Key quote:
“We are seeing with PFAS — like a lot of chemicals which actually disturb hormone systems — that you do get a boy or girl difference.”
— Linda Birnbaum, former head of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program
Why this matters:
PFAS exposure's gender-specific health effects indicate a need for targeted research and policy to address health disparities, which could shape regulations and guide informed decisions. Read more: What are PFAS? Everything you need to know about “forever chemicals” and how to avoid them.
