People living near superfund sites or with limited access to fresh food face higher PFAS blood levels, new research finds.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Southern California residents near superfund sites or industrial facilities using PFAS have up to 107% higher PFAS levels in their blood.
- Limited access to fresh foods correlates with higher PFAS levels; processed foods in low-income areas may contain PFAS in packaging.
- Researchers cite air pollution and contaminated water as exposure routes but emphasize structural solutions like improving fresh food access.
Key quote:
“We’re hoping the government will see the analysis and take action … because it’s more cost effective to reduce pollution at the source.”
— Sherlock Li, University of Southern California postdoctoral researcher
Why this matters:
PFAS, linked to serious health issues like cancer and immune disorders, persist in the environment and accumulate in the body. Addressing structural inequities in food access and reducing pollution could mitigate disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.
