<
https://www.sciencealert.com/common-forever-chemicals-may-trigger-cancer-cells-to-spread>
'When colorectal cancer cells are exposed to two different types of 'forever
chemicals' in the lab, the chemicals can potentially accelerate cancer
progression, new research suggests.
A new study conducted an analysis of exposure levels comparable to those found
in firefighters and other people who come into regular contact with per- and
poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Firefighters' blood levels of PFAS tend to be higher than the general
population's because of their frequent exposure to firefighting foam, which
contains PFAS chemicals for its flame retardant properties.
Firefighters are more likely than the general population to develop and die
from a variety of cancers that include colorectal cancer. Environmental factors
are believed to be related to about 80 percent of CRC cases.
In the new research, PFAS exposure in the lab induced CRC cells to migrate to
new positions, implying a potential role in cancer spreading (metastasis) in
living organisms.
"It doesn't prove it's metastasis, but they have increased motility, which is a
feature of metastasis," says Yale University epidemiologist Caroline H.
Johnson.
PFAS are human-made chemicals based on carbon-fluorine bonds, and as the
nickname 'forever chemicals' suggests, these bonds are very strong and
resistant to degradation, which makes PFAS popular for use in many kinds of
products. Unfortunately, it also allows them to survive in the environment for
years in ever-increasing concentrations.
"PFAS make up a prevalent class of persistent organic pollutants of increasing
public concern worldwide," says co-first author and physiologist Jie Zheng from
Yale University.
"They have been frequently detected in the environment, such as in drinking
water, indoor dust, cleaning products, and coatings."
Many of these 'forever chemicals' are still present in everyday items, though
the hazards of PFAS are largely unclear – partially because of the many
different compounds involved.
Research has shown that these long-lasting chemicals spread throughout the
environment, and exposure to high levels has been linked to harmful health
effects in people and animals.'
Via Rixty Dixet.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
