Children exposed to high levels of synthetic chemicals in everyday products such as waterproof clothing, umbrellas and food packaging are more likely to experience late puberty, according to research presented at the 61st annual meeting of the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology. took place on September 21-23 in The Hague.

Children on the street Photo: Michael Gstettenbauer / imago stock&people / Profimedia

These discoveries may contribute to better regulation of the industrial production and use of these chemicals at the international level.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “persistent chemicals” that make surfaces resistant to stains, water and grease, are man-made chemicals that are extremely persistent in the environment and in the human body and can cause health problems. such as liver disease, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility problems, and cancer.

These chemicals are considered endocrine disruptors, meaning they affect the body’s hormones, and can have harmful effects on puberty and children’s development.

Impact on children’s development

In the first study to examine the link between chemicals in everyday foods and puberty, a team from Norway looked at 19 different PFAS chemicals in 420 boys and 618 girls aged 6 to 16 as part of the Bergen Study Growth Study 2 – Berhen growth study, according to the materials of News.ro.

They also measured the children’s breast development and testicular size using ultrasound and found that boys had smaller testicles while girls had less breast development when exposed to higher levels of a range of PFAS chemicals.

Previous studies have also shown the same link between PFAS chemicals and delayed puberty.

However, until now, information about the development of puberty was mostly self-reported.

“This is the first study to investigate the relationship between PFAS exposure and pubertal development using ultrasound as a new and more objective method,” said lead author Dr. Fortune, a PhD student at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen.

The results of the study could inform decisions that regulatory agencies make about these chemicals, he said.

The team now plans to investigate how hormones involved in puberty and body composition are related to PFAS levels in a Norwegian child population.

“Our findings provide further evidence of the harmful effects of PFAS on child development, but it is still unclear how these chemicals affect puberty-related hormones and body structure in children,” says Dr. Fortune.

Determining this could shed light on reproductive issues and lead to better regulation of these substances, he added.

Where are the permanent chemicals?

According to the Ministry of the Environment, persistent chemicals are all around us, whether we are indoors or outdoors.

According to the Ministry of the Environment, here’s where we find the eternal chemicals:

CLOTHES:

  • PFAS chemicals are found primarily in water-repellent or stain-resistant clothing, such as raincoats. To protect yourself from these chemicals, check the labels of water repellents, such as Teflon, made before 2015.

PACKAGING:

  • Sources of packaging contamination include greaseproof paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers. Don’t think you’re avoiding the impact by buying compostable products! Despite manufacturers’ claims, many of these products have been found to contain PFAS compounds.

AT SCHOOL:

  • it has been proven that these substances are also in the food packaging in which lunches are kept, as well as in some sports fields with artificial grass.

AT WORK:

  • occupational exposure can be identified primarily in industries related to chrome plating and electronics, but PFAS chemicals are also found in mining, hydraulic fracturing, and oil production operations. Because PFAS chemicals are found in most electronic components, wires and cables, there may be a risk of exposure, particularly in offices.

ORGANISMS VII:

  • Living organisms contaminated with PFAS include fish and animals where these chemicals have had the ability to accumulate and persist over time.

AIR:

  • new research shows the presence of PFAS chemicals in indoor air, including classrooms, offices and apartments.

SOIL:

  • accidental ingestion of contaminated soil or inhalation of dust saturated with these chemicals may increase the risk of exposure.

GROUND AND DRINKING WATER:

  • military bases and airports are a major source of PFAS exposure through the use of firefighting foam.
  • Significant influence of “forever chemicals” on fertility. What permanent chemicals are found around us