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A new study has found evidence that individual PFAS compounds may disrupt sleep. (Image: Media Production via canva.com/Graphic: BUND/projektoren)
These PFAS chemicals disrupt sleep
In their study, the researchers examined the effects of several individual PFAS compounds. The result: An increased concentration of four individual PFAS compounds disrupts sleep. The four individual compounds are PFDA, PFAO, PFHxS and PFOS.
This is how it was investigated
For the study, the blood of over 200 people was examined for elevated PFAS concentrations and the quality and duration of sleep. The investigation was combined with a computer-aided toxicological analysis. Those who had the individual PFAS compounds PFDA, PFOA and PFHxS in their blood slept shorter. Increased PFOS levels led to sleep disorders. In the analysis, the researchers discovered proteins that are influenced by PFAS. They could be responsible for the sleep problems. The study is in Research magazine “Environmental Advances” published.
This is what the results mean
Although the study finds a connection between PFAS compounds and poor sleep, it needs to be larger in order to have truly meaningful data. The researchers themselves recommend this. The individual PFAS compounds examined are among the few PFAS that have already been studied quite well. They are no longer allowed to be used in the EU. However, that does not mean that we no longer come into contact with them, because these PFAS compounds are also found in many everyday products that are still used. Countless products containing PFAS also come into circulation through imports, especially through online trading.
Many PFAS have not been adequately researched
We actually already know quite a bit about the PFAS compounds examined in the study. Nevertheless, researchers have now discovered new harmful effects. To date, only a fraction of all PFAS have been examined for their health effects. So there are over 10,000 individual PFAS compounds in circulation in our everyday products every day, and we don’t even know whether or how they cause harm. The well-studied substances have been shown to have effects on the liver, kidneys, thyroid and immune system.
PFAS: You can do this
So the eternity chemicals are a danger to our health. The BUND is therefore campaigning for an EU-wide ban on PFAS. Are you there? Then Sign our petition to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach now – he can campaign for a ban.
When shopping, you can look for products without PFAS. The free ToxFox app from BUND uses a scan to detect whether a product contains PFAS or other harmful substances in cosmetic and personal care products. Unfortunately, there is no obligation to declare PFAS for all other everyday products such as clothing, toys, sporting goods or electrical goods. However, some manufacturers advertise with the labels “PFAS-free”, “fluorocarbon-free” or “PFC-free”.
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