Every day, we're surrounded by invisible dangers—dangers embedded in our clothing, cosmetics, and even the packaging of the food we eat. Known as “forever chemicals,” these human-made compounds, technically called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have earned their ominous nickname due to their powerful and nearly unbreakable bonds. But while they’ve been lurking in our everyday products for decades, recent research has revealed a new and unsettling fact: PFAS can be absorbed through our skin, potentially making their way into our bloodstream.
PFAS have been a part of our lives since the 1940s. They were originally created to make life more convenient—think of nonstick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, and water-repellent raincoats. But as is often the case, convenience came at a hidden cost. Over time, scientists discovered that these chemicals don’t just stay in the products where they’re used. They seep into our environment, showing up in our food, water, and even the air we breathe.
The potential for PFAS to infiltrate our bodies through our skin adds another layer of concern. A recent study conducted by environmental chemists at the University of Birmingham in England has shown that when human skin models were exposed to PFAS, many of these chemicals crossed the skin barrier. This discovery raises the alarming possibility that the everyday act of touching our skin to products containing PFAS could be a route of exposure, contributing to the accumulation of these harmful substances in our bodies.
To understand the implications, the researchers conducted experiments using lab-grown human skin. They exposed the skin models to 17 different PFAS commonly found in consumer products. The results were striking: 11 of the chemicals tested were able to penetrate the skin. Shorter-chain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFPeA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), were especially adept at crossing the skin barrier, with up to 59 per cent of PFPeA and 49 per cent of PFBS making their way through the skin into a fluid that mimics blood.
The implications of these findings are significant. While the study doesn’t confirm that these chemicals definitively enter the bloodstream in real-life situations, it does highlight the possibility that our skin—our body’s largest organ and first line of defense—may not be as impermeable as we once thought when it comes to PFAS.
The concern is not just theoretical. PFAS are already known to be linked to a host of health issues, including hormone disruption, immune system impacts, and even cancer. If these chemicals can indeed be absorbed through the skin and possibly enter the bloodstream, it adds yet another dimension to the public health challenge posed by PFAS.
Miriam Diamond, an environmental scientist at the University of Toronto, notes that while the study's results are concerning, the experiments were conducted under controlled conditions that may not fully replicate the complexity of human skin in everyday life. For instance, the skin's thickness varies in different parts of the body, which could affect how easily PFAS are absorbed. Moreover, the doses used in the study were higher than what most people would encounter in their daily lives. But even with these caveats, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of PFAS and the need for increased awareness and caution.
Consumers are now facing a new kind of dilemma—how to navigate a world where these chemicals are nearly ubiquitous. Clothes, personal care products, and even the food we eat can all be sources of exposure. And while the study suggests that the levels of PFAS we typically encounter might not immediately pose a high risk, the cumulative effect of these chemicals over time is still largely unknown.
As we continue to learn more about the potential dangers of PFAS, one thing is clear: this is not just a scientific issue but a personal one. It’s about the choices we make every day and how those choices affect our health and the health of those around us. Being aware of the presence of PFAS in the products we use and seeking out alternatives when possible is a small but crucial step in protecting ourselves from these invisible threats.
In a world filled with invisible dangers, knowledge is our first line of defense. Understanding the risks associated with PFAS and making informed choices about the products we use can help mitigate the potential harm these “forever chemicals” pose. As science continues to uncover the full extent of their impact, it’s up to each of us to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
References:
O. Ragnarsdóttir, M.A. Abdallah and S. Harrad. Dermal bioavailability of perfluoroalkyl substances using in vitro 3D human skin equivalent models. Environment International. Volume 188, June 2024, 108772. Doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108772
Environmental Protection Agency. EPA announces new drinking water health advisories for PFAS chemicals, $1 billion in bipartisan infrastructure law funding to strengthen health protections. June 15, 2022.
O. Ragnarsdóttir, M.A. Abdallah and S. Harrad. Dermal uptake: An important pathway of human exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances? Environmental Pollution. Vol. 307, August 15, 2022, 119478. Doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119478