PFOS, a widespread industrial ‘forever chemical’, weakens the body’s ability to fight viral infections, a study has found recently.
About PFOS:
PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate or Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid) is a synthetic chemical used to make products resistant to stains, grease, soil, and water.
It is an organic perfluorinated compound, consisting of an eight-carbon backbone and a sulfonate functional group.
It is part of a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
PFAS, also known as the Forever Chemicals, are a large chemical family of over 10,000 highly persistent chemicals that don’t occur in nature.
PFOS is very stable in the environment and hard to break down. PFOS also moves easily through groundwater.
PFOS is of particular concern because it can accumulate up the food chain in aquatic systems and can lead to high concentrations in predatory fish consumed by anglers.
It can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes.
When and how has PFOS been used?
Starting in the 1940s, PFOS was used in many consumer and industrial products, including carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, non-stick cookware, and leather products.
PFOS has also been present in some firefighting foams used at airports, firefighter training facilities, and military airfields.
PFOS is listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), subject to international restrictions and exemptions.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
