The study revealed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have been found in human brain tissue. These chemicals are commonly used in various products such as food packaging, cookware, firefighting foam, and furniture. While PFAS have been detected in human blood, their presence in brain tissue had not been extensively studied until now.
Dr. Claire Shepherd, director of the Sydney Brain Bank at NeuRA, highlighted that humans are exposed to PFAS through water, contaminated food, indoor dust, and consumer products. It is challenging to find individuals in developed countries without detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. The study emphasized that the number of carbon atoms in PFAS compounds is a crucial factor in their accumulation in the brain.
The research, conducted by the Sydney Brain Bank, the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, and UNSW’s School of Biomedical Sciences, also raised concerns about the potential links between PFAS exposure and various health conditions, including thyroid disease, liver damage, testicular cancer, and neuro-cognitive effects.
Researchers analyzed post-mortem brain and serum samples to understand how PFAS are distributed in the brain based on the compound’s carbon structure. Dr. Shepherd emphasized the importance of comprehending the behavior of individual PFAS in the brain to evaluate potential health effects, especially concerning neurodegenerative diseases.
While establishing clear causal links between PFAS exposure and specific diseases is still a work in progress, research suggests potential connections to increased risks of testicular, kidney, and breast cancers, as well as alterations in cholesterol levels, immune function, and hormone regulation.
Government response to PFAS contamination has been amplified, with the creation of a national coordinating body announced in December 2024 to manage pollution control at key sites affected by PFAS, such as Williamtown Air Force Base, Army Aviation Centre Oakey, and Tindal Air Force Base. Local communities impacted by PFAS pollution, like the residents of Wreck Bay in NSW, have been calling for stronger action.
The Select Committee on PFAS, which heard from Wreck Bay residents and experts in January, delved into the complexities of linking PFAS exposure to chronic diseases. While PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence, they do break down over time and are eventually eliminated from the human body.
Further studies are essential to fully comprehend the impact of PFAS on brain function and overall health, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in this area.
