Forever Chemicals: A Hidden Threat to Our Health

Forever chemicals, man-made substances designed to repel water, oil, and stains, are everywhere. They are in nonstick pans, fast-food wrappers, and waterproof jackets. Scientists have already linked them to serious health issues like liver damage, high cholesterol, fertility problems, birth defects, and cancer. New research shows that exposure to two major environmental toxins, PFOS and PCBs, increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms include numbness, muscle weakness, vision problems, extreme fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties. People with high levels of PFOS and PCBs in their blood have twice the odds of being diagnosed with MS compared to those with low levels. These chemicals can disrupt the immune system, either weakening it or causing it to overreact. This disruption has been linked to other autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.In a recent study, researchers analyzed blood samples from 900 people in Sweden recently diagnosed with MS and compared them with samples from people without the disease. They found that higher levels of these toxins were linked to a higher risk of MS, even after accounting for lifestyle and genetic factors. The study also looked at how genetics interact with chemical exposure. People with a certain gene variant were thought to have a lower risk of MS. However, the new research found that these same people had a higher risk of MS if they were also exposed to high levels of PFOS. These findings add to the growing evidence that forever chemicals pose serious long-term health risks. They seep into the soil, water, and air, and nearly all Americans have measurable levels in their blood, including newborns. These toxins do not break down easily, so they linger in the environment and inside the human body for an unknown amount of time. Despite being banned in the US since 1979, PCBs are still found in the environment and older products. PFAS, meanwhile, remain widely used today. Experts recommend filtering drinking water, avoiding nonstick cookware and grease-resistant food packaging, and choosing fresh, unpackaged foods to reduce exposure to these chemicals.