A new study, the first on this subject, shows that the more adolescents and young adults are exposed to PFAS, the more their bone density decreases.
- This study shows an association between decreased bone density in adolescents and young adults and exposure to a type of PFAS.
- This loss of bone density can lead in the long term to osteoporosis, a bone disease that increases the risk of fractures.
- “It’s important to regulate PFAS as a class because we’re not just exposed to one chemical, we’re exposed to thousands of chemicals,” said the lead author of the research.
Yet another new study which points out the deleterious effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on humans! Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at USC (University of Southern California, United States), show in a multi-cohort study that “exposure to PFOS [acide perfluorooctanesulfonique, un type de PFAS, ndlr] is associated with a DMO [densité minérale osseuse, ndlr] weaker during adolescence and early adulthood, important periods for bone development, which may have implications for future bone health and risk of osteoporosis in adulthood”.
“Eliminate” exposure to PFAS to “avoid osteoporosis later in life”
To reach this conclusion, scientists analyzed data from 304 Hispanic American adolescents, with an average age of 11 years, who were participating in another study on the risks of type 2 diabetes. Using blood samples, they were able to record the levels of PFAS present in their body. The individuals’ bone density was measured using a special type of X-ray known as dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A follow-up was carried out one and a half years later, in order to assess changes over time.
In the results published in review Environmental Researchthe researchers explain that for each doubling of base perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, participants had, at follow-up, an average decrease in bone mineral density of 0.003 g/cm2 per year.
They compared these results with another analysis of 137 young adults of mixed ethnicity and with an average age of 19 years. These adults were followed using the same procedure for four years. The results also show that exposure to PFOS is associated with decreased bone density. However, under “normal” developmental conditions, an individual’s bone density increases throughout adolescence, peaks between 20 and 30 years of age, then gradually decreases.
“PFAS are everywhere – we are all exposed to themsaid Vaia Lida Chatzi, professor of public health and population sciences at the Keck School of Medicine and lead author of the study. We must eliminate this exposure to allow our young people to reach their full potential in terms of bone development and thus avoid osteoporosis later in life.”
How to reduce exposure to PFAS?
PFAS are used to manufacture many everyday products: food packaging, non-stick pans, paints, textiles, etc. Their main characteristic is to be ultra-resistant, hence their nickname “eternal chemical”. The problem with these substances, which were initially very interesting for industry, is that they end up accumulating in the environment, polluting soil, drinking water and living organisms. Without public authorities taking charge of the subject, it is therefore impossible not to be exposed to it on a daily basis. “It’s important to regulate PFAS as a class because we’re not just exposed to one chemical, we’re exposed to thousands of chemicals”, said Vaia Lida Chatzi.
To reduce exposure at our level, the researcher advises no longer using certain kitchen utensils such as non-stick pans, or even certain cosmetics which can contain a very large number of them.
Moving forward, the team plans to conduct this same research on a broader population in the United States, particularly with other communities and other ages of life. She also wants to understand the biological mechanisms behind the effects of PFAS on bone health, for example by looking for biomarkers that would indicate that bone health is in danger, before osteoporosis sets in.
Nearly 4 million people affected by osteoporosis in France
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that remains silent for a long time and usually appears as we age. It is characterized by a decrease in bone density and a deterioration of its internal architecture. This makes the skeleton more fragile and therefore increases the risk of more frequent fractures, even during minimal trauma. According to Inserm, 5.5% of the general population would be affected in 2019, with a majority of women. “With the increase in life expectancy and the aging of the population, osteoporosis and the fractures associated with it represent a significant public health problem: around the age of 65, it is estimated that 39% of women suffer from osteoporosis. Among those aged 80 and over, this proportion rises to 70%“, specifies the Institute.
