メディエイゴ

Children and teens with higher blood levels(1) of chemicals(2) used in the production of non-stick(3) cookware(4) and waterproof(5) fabrics(6) appear more likely to have elevated(7) total and LDL cholesterol(8) levels, according to(9) a report in the September issue of Archives(10) of Pediatrics(11) & Adolescent Medicine(12), one of the JAMA(13)/Archives journals.

Humans are exposed to the man-made(14) compounds(15) known as perfluoroalkyl acids(16) -- including perfluorooctanoic acid(17) (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate(18) (PFOS) -- through drinking water, dust, food packaging(19), breast milk(20), cord blood(21), microwave popcorn(22), air and occupational exposure(23), according to background information in the article. Recent national survey(24) results reported detection(25) of PFOA and PFOS in almost all samples of human serum(26). Perfluoroalkyl acids are used during the manufacture of fluoropolymers(27), which give non-stick heat resistance(28) to cookware and breathable(29), waterproof properties to fabrics and upholstery(30). PFOA and PFOS may also result from the breakdown of compounds used as coating(31) for commercial food packaging, factory treatments for fabrics and carpets and manufacturer(32) pretreatment(33) for stain-resistant(34) clothing.

Animal studies have identified the liver(35) as the primary organ(36) affected by perfluoroalkyl acid exposure, with potential effects in human including alterations(37) in cholesterol levels. Stephanie J. Frisbee, M.Sc.(38), M.A.(39), of West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, and colleagues(40) assessed(41) serum lipid(42) levels in 12,476 children and adolescents(43) (average age 11.1) included in the C8 Health Project, which resulted from the settlement of a class-action lawsuit(44) regarding PFOA contamination(45) of the drinking water supply in the mid-Ohio River Valley.