News & Publications

• Chemical additives in plastics are associated with more than 350,000 cardiovascular deaths worldwide in a single year, with the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa bearing the greatest burden. www.thelancet.com
  Cardiovascular Environment

  Plastics may be a hidden contributor to heart disease: chemical additives that disrupt hormone function and damage blood vessels. Evidence indicates that di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP)—a phthalate used to soften plastics—drives oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that this plastic additive may have contributed to more than 350,000 cardiovascular deaths worldwide in 2018.

  To estimate the global burden of cardiovascular disease linked to DEHP exposure, researchers combined country-level cardiovascular death rates with regional exposure estimates. They calculated the number of deaths and years of life lost that were likely due to the chemical, drawing on published hazard ratios and biomonitoring data.

  They found that DEHP exposure contributed to 356,000 cardiovascular deaths in 2018—around 13% of heart-related deaths among adults aged 55 to 64. Exposure varied widely by region. The Middle East and South Asia had the highest levels of several DEHP metabolites, including mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate at 19.460 micromoles per liter—six times higher than levels in Europe. Africa also showed high concentrations, including the highest recorded level of mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate at 65.452 micromoles per liter. The Middle East, South Asia, and Africa bore the greatest exposure burden, while Europe had the lowest.

  These findings suggest that chemical additives in plastics pose a serious threat to cardiovascular health, especially in regions with growing plastic production or weaker environmental protections. As plastic products break down, they shed tiny fragments known as microplastics, which carry considerable health risks. Learn more in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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• Lifestyle and environmental exposures—termed the 'exposome'—may substantially outpace genetic factors in driving premature death and age-related disease. www.nature.com
  Epigenetics Aging Genetics Environment

  While genes play a role in aging, lifestyle and environmental exposures—collectively called the exposome—may have a more robust effect on aging and longevity. A recent study found that the exposome contributes far more to premature death and age-related diseases than genetic risk alone.

  Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500,000 people enrolled in the UK Biobank to measure the exposome’s role in aging. They identified environmental exposures linked to early death and biological aging, then used a proteomic age clock—a tool that tracks molecular signs of aging—to confirm which exposures accelerate the aging process. Finally, they compared the exposome’s influence on disease risk to that of genetic predisposition.

  The exposome explained 17 percentage points more of the variation in mortality than genetic risk, which accounted for less than two percentage points. It was more strongly connected to lung, heart, and liver diseases, while genetic factors were more closely associated with certain cancers and dementias. The analysis identified three disease states and 22 biomarkers related to liver and kidney function, cardiovascular and metabolic health, inflammation, longevity, genetics, and vitamin and mineral status that independently drive biological aging and disease risk.

  These findings suggest that the exposome is critical in shaping health and longevity. While genes contribute to some diseases, environmental exposures throughout life greatly influence aging and survival. Air pollution is an exposome element contributing to disease and early death. Learn how wearable devices measure the air pollution exposome in this episode featuring Dr. Michael Snyder.

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• High exposure to plastics, such as those in disposable takeout containers, is associated with a 13% greater risk of heart disease, potentially through changes to gut bacteria and increased inflammation. www.sciencedirect.com
  Pollution Environment Cardiovascular

  The environment plays a decisive role in heart health, with factors like air pollution, diet, and chemical exposures influencing cardiovascular disease risk. As plastic production and waste continue to rise, concerns about its effects on human health are increasing. A recent study found that frequent exposure to plastics, including those from disposable takeout containers, is associated with a 13% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

  Researchers surveyed more than 3,000 people about their plastic exposure and heart health. They also provided rats with water that had been in contact with disposable plastic takeout containers at high temperatures for varying lengths of time. After three months, they analyzed the rats' heart tissue, blood markers, and gut bacteria to assess changes.

  They found that people with high plastic exposure had a 13% greater risk of congestive heart failure than those with lower exposure. In the rats, plastic exposure altered gut bacteria and increased markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart. The structural changes observed in heart tissue suggest potential long-term damage.

  These findings suggest that plastic exposure increases the risk of heart disease and highlight the need to reduce exposure. Learn how to reduce your exposure to plastics and microplastics in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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• Exposure to benzyl butyl phthalate, a common plastic additive in everyday items, was found to cause extensive reproductive cell disruption and DNA damage. journals.plos.org
  Metabolism Inflammation DNA Damage Pollution Environment Genome

  The risks of everyday plastics may go beyond environmental concerns, affecting our reproductive health on a cellular level. Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), a common plastic additive found in toys, cleaning products, food packaging, and cosmetics, has been linked to reproductive and developmental impairments. A recent study in worms found that BPP induced abnormalities in chromosome segregation and increased cell death in reproductive cells.

  Researchers exposed C. elegans, a type of roundworm, to four different concentrations of BBP: 1, 10, 100, and 500 micromolar. Then, they measured the chemical’s effects on the worms' chromosomes and cell structure while tracking its metabolism into two primary byproducts: monobutyl phthalate and monobenzyl phthalate.

  They found that exposure to 10 micromolar BBP induced considerable cellular disruption, increasing germ cell apoptosis, abnormalities in chromosome structure, and elevated levels of DNA damage throughout the reproductive tissues. The compound also triggered increased oxidative stress and affected critical genes involved in cell cycle progression and oxidative metabolism.

  These findings suggest that BBP exposure profoundly affects reproductive health by impairing the cellular processes necessary for healthy chromosome segregation and genomic stability. A person’s phthalate burden may contribute to poor metabolic function, inflammation, and cognitive dysfunction. Learn how sauna use induces substantial sweat losses, promoting the excretion of toxic compounds like BBP.

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• Melamine cleaning sponges, known as "magic erasers," may contribute up to 4.9 trillion microplastic particles to aquatic environments globally, due to breakdown during use. www.eurekalert.org
  Pollution Environment

  Melamine cleaning sponges are composed of hard, plastic strands assembled into a soft, lightweight foam. Commonly known as “magic erasers,” they are immensely popular due to their highly abrasive qualities. A recent study found that the global microplastic burden from melamine cleaning sponges may exceed 4.9 trillion particles, based on current sales.

  Researchers assessed microplastic release from melamine cleaning sponges under different scrubbing conditions, focusing on the shape, makeup, and number of fibers created. Then they quantified annual accumulation based on typical melamine sponge sales from two popular online retailers.

  They found that melamine sponges released straight and branched microplastic fibers made of poly(melamine-formaldehyde) polymer, ranging from 10 to 405 micrometers long. These fibers formed as the sponge’s structure broke down due to friction; consequently, the rougher the surface and denser the sponge, the more fibers produced. They estimated that sponge wear could release up to 6.5 million fibers per gram of sponge, potentially contributing up to 4.9 trillion fibers to aquatic environments globally.

  These findings suggest that melamine cleaning sponges are major contributors to the global microplastic burden. Human exposure to microplastics occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Evidence indicates that these particles accumulate in various body fluids and tissues and may increase the risk for metabolic dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and some cancers.

  • Read study abstract.

  Coming soon: A comprehensive overview article about microplastics and their putative effects on human health.

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• Shorter-chain PFAS alternatives, found in common household products, readily penetrate human skin, potentially increasing the health risks associated with these "forever chemicals." www.sciencedaily.com
  Cancer Immune System Pollution Environment Skin

  Perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are synthetic compounds found in food packaging, household products, and plastic bottles. These “forever chemicals” persist in the body for indefinite periods, posing significant health risks such as cancer, liver damage, and immune system dysfunction. To address these concerns, chemical companies have introduced shorter-chain PFAS alternatives, which break down more quickly in the environment. However, a recent study found that these alternatives readily penetrate the skin, potentially increasing the health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

  Researchers designed a three-dimensional model that mimicked the qualities of human skin. They applied various PFAS to the model skin, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (used on/in non-stick cookware, water and stain repellents, and food packaging) and perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (used on/in carpets, clothing, paper products, and cleaning agents) and assessed whether the compounds were absorbed (consequently taken up into the bloodstream), unabsorbed, or retained within skin tissue.

  The researchers found that the skin absorbed as much as 58.9% of short-chain PFAS, and the absorption rate decreased as the carbon chain length increased. Interestingly, they found that large quantities of longer-chain PFAS (as much as 68.3%) were retained in the skin instead of being absorbed.

  These findings suggest that PFAS, especially shorter-chain forms, readily penetrate human skin and can gain access to the bloodstream. They also underscore the potential health risks of PFAS exposure and the need for further research and regulation.

  • Read the full publication.
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• Microplastics were identified in 80 percent of surgically removed blood clots, potentially elevating the risk and severity of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory issues. www.thelancet.com
  Pollution Environment Cardiovascular

  Blood clots that form in the heart, arteries, and veins – called thrombi – are a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and respiratory problems. Evidence suggests that environmental factors contribute to thrombi formation. A recent study identified microplastics in 80 percent of surgically removed thrombi.

  Researchers surgically removed thrombi from patients scheduled for arterial or venous thrombectomy in the brain, heart, or legs using plastic-free surgical implements and storage techniques. Using mass spectrometry, they assessed the thrombi for microplastic particle content and determined the particles' sizes, shapes, and numbers.

  They found that 80 percent of the thrombi contained microplastics, including polyamide 66, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene. Higher concentrations of microplastics were associated with greater disease severity.

  This study was small, but its findings suggest microplastics are present in human thrombi and further increase disease risk. Microplastics are pervasive environmental contaminants present in land, water, and air. They have also been detected throughout the human body, including the sputum, lungs, heart, liver, blood, endometrium, testis, amniotic fluid, and placenta. Recent research found that microplastics in human arterial plaques increase the risk for cardiovascular disease-related events nearly fivefold.

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• High levels of "forever chemicals" linked with cancer and reproductive problems found in seafood. www.sciencedaily.com
  Cancer Pollution Environment

  Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are synthetic compounds used in food packaging, household products, and drinking water. PFAS aren’t excreted in bodily fluids like sweat or urine; instead, they persist in the body indefinitely and are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” A recent study found that seafood – including fish and shellfish – contains high PFAS levels.

  Researchers asked more than 1,800 people living in the northeastern U.S. about the amount and types of seafood they ate. Then, they measured PFAS levels in fish, lobster, shrimp, and scallops purchased from a market in that area.

  They found that the participants were regular seafood consumers, with adults consuming approximately 34 grams daily and children consuming 5 grams – slightly higher than national averages. They also found that the fish contained less than 1 nanogram per gram (ng/g) of PFAS; the shrimp contained 1.74 ng/g, and the lobster contained 3.30 ng/g. These levels may pose health concerns among high seafood consumers.

  These findings suggest that seafood is an abundant source of PFAS. Future research may illuminate the benefits and risks of consuming seafood. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health issues, including increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver function, and impaired immune function. Some studies suggest a potential association between PFAS exposure and increased risks of certain cancers and reproductive problems

  • Read full publication.
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• Commonly used haircare products emit toxic, airborne compounds during a typical home haircare session. engineering.purdue.edu
  Pollution Environment

  Many hair care products contain siloxanes – a broad class of silicone-based compounds – that can become airborne during hair drying and styling. Evidence suggests siloxanes persist in the environment and cause liver or lung damage in rodents. A recent study found that a person can inhale up to 17 milligrams of siloxanes in a single home haircare session.

  Researchers conducted multiple experiments that replicated typical home haircare sessions using hair dryers, styling equipment, and products. Then, they measured the amount of chemicals emitted during the sessions using mass spectrometry.

  They found that the number of airborne chemicals emitted during haircare sessions, including monoterpenes, monoterpenoids, and propylene glycol, increased considerably indoors, especially when the various haircare products were heated. The most abundant chemical was a siloxane compound called D5, with participants inhaling up to 17 milligrams of siloxane in a single session.

  Using an exhaust fan reduced the amount of inhalable D5 by roughly half; however, the quantities of the exhausted compound increased outdoors. The researchers estimated that the emission of D5 from indoor to outdoor environments in the U.S. could be as high as six metric tons yearly.

  These findings suggest that people who use widely available haircare products in indoor environments are exposed to large quantities of inhalable, harmful compounds. These compounds can then be transmitted to the outdoor environment, where they persist, potentially posing considerable health threats.

  • Read full publication.
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• High particulate matter exposure increases the risk of Parkinson's disease by nearly 20 percent. www.neurology.org
  Parkinson's Pollution Environment Neurodegeneration

  People who live in large cities or near industrial areas are often exposed to high levels of particulate matter – a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in air pollution that forms fine inhalable particles with diameters typically 2.5 micrograms (PM2.5) or less. A recent study found that high exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by nearly 20 percent.

  Researchers conducted a population-based study of more than 21 million older adults living in the US. They assessed their exposure to particulate matter based on their geographical location and ascertained whether they had Parkinson’s disease based on Medicare records.

  They found that people exposed to the median PM2.5 level were 56 percent more likely to develop Parkinson’s than those with the lowest PM2.5 exposures. For every additional microgram per cubic meter of PM2.5 exposure, risk increased by 4.2 percent. In the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley, where particulate matter levels are high, the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease was 19 percent greater than in the rest of the country.

  These findings suggest that exposure to particulate matter markedly increases a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, aligning with other evidence pointing to the disease’s environmental origins. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. Caused by the destruction of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, it typically manifests later in life and is characterized by tremors and a shuffling gait. Learn more about Parkinson’s disease and therapies in this episode featuring Dr. Giselle Petzinger.

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• Accelerated biological aging is linked to a 40 percent higher risk of vascular dementia and stroke. medicalxpress.com
  Aging Dementia Environment Cardiovascular

  Aging is the collective physiological, functional, and mental changes that accrue in a biological organism over time. However, people age at different rates, a consequence of both genetic and environmental factors. A recent study found that people whose biological age is five years older than their chronological age are roughly 40 percent more likely to develop vascular dementia or experience a stroke than those whose biological and chronological ages align.

  Using 18 routinely measured clinical biomarkers, researchers calculated the biological ages of more than 325,000 people enrolled in the UK Biobank study. Then, they evaluated how older biological age influenced the occurrence of neurological conditions, including dementia of all types, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and motor neuron disease, over a nine-year follow-up period.

  They found that nearly 1,400 participants developed dementia, and more than 2,500 experienced a stroke. Having an older biological age that was five years older than chronological age increased the participants' risk of dementia by 26 percent, vascular dementia by 41 percent, and stroke by 39 percent. The findings were consistent even after considering various disease-specific risk factors.

  These findings suggest that accelerated biological aging markedly increases the risk of dementia and stroke. Age acceleration can result from intrinsic factors, such as normal metabolism and genetics, or extrinsic factors, such as diet, smoking, and exercise. Learn how epigenetic changes influence biological aging in our overview article.

  • Read study abstract.
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• Exposure to plastic particles may interfere with sex hormones and promote inflammation. medicalxpress.com
  Hormones Inflammation Environment

  Exposure to plastic particles alters sex hormones and promotes inflammation in rats, a new study shows. Estrogen levels in female rats that inhaled tiny particles of polyamide – commonly known as nylon – decreased and inflammatory cytokines increased.

  Researchers exposed female rats in heat to aerosolized polyamide particles for an average of 4.5 hours. Then they assessed the animals' overall health and measured their cytokine and reproductive hormone levels. They found that after a single exposure to the polyamide particles, the animals' blood pressure increased, estradiol (a form of estrogen) decreased, and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 increased.

  Small plastic particles, often referred to as microplastics (ranging between 5 millimeters and 100 nanometers) or nanoplastics (less than 100 nanometers), are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. They have been identified in food (especially seafood), soil, drinking water, fresh- and saltwater bodies, and air.

  Exposure to microplastics is associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes in humans. For example, a comprehensive review of the effects of microplastics revealed that the pollutants induce oxidative stress and increase the risk for metabolic dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and some cancers. Some of these effects may be due to compounds commonly associated with plastic manufacturing, such as bisphenol A, or BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals, that are present in and on microplastics.

  This study demonstrates that even brief exposure to plastic particles is sufficient to alter sex hormones and promote inflammation in female rats.

  • Read full publication.
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• Levels of PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals, were 278 times higher in freshwater fish across the U.S. than in commercially-sold fish. (2023) doi.org
  Cancer Diet Cholesterol Immune System Development Environment

  From the publication:

  Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), previously referred to as “perfluorinated compounds”, are a class of manufactured chemicals that have been detected in nearly all sampling of geographic locations and environmental matrices worldwide, including sites that had no nearby manufacture or use of PFAS. PFAS are used in hundreds of industrial and consumer products including food packaging and waterproof/stain resistant fabrics. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds provide both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, which make these chemicals extremely persistent in the environment. The class of PFAS includes tens of thousands of potential environmental contaminants including over one thousand chemicals previously or currently approved for use in the U.S..

  For PFAS measured at concentrations already found in the general population, exposure may suppress the immune system. Additionally, exposure to PFAS, with most studies on PFOA and PFOS, has been associated with many health harms, including an increased risk of cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and reproductive and developmental harms.

  The median level of total targeted PFAS in fish fillets from rivers and streams across the United States was 9,500 ng/kg, with a median level of 11,800 ng/kg in the Great Lakes. PFOS was the largest contributor to total PFAS levels, averaging 74% of the total. The median levels of total detected PFAS in freshwater fish across the United States were 278 times higher than levels in commercially relevant fish tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2019–2022. Exposure assessment suggests that a single serving of freshwater fish per year with the median level of PFAS as detected by the U.S. EPA monitoring programs translates into a significant increase of PFOS levels in blood serum.

  Additional information:

  In June 2018, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a draft Toxicological Profile that derived minimal risk levels (MRLs), which are similar to RfDs, for intermediate duration exposure (15–364 days) of four PFAS routinely measured in NHANES [28]. The MRL [minimal risk levels] values for PFOA (3 ng/kg/day) and PFOS (2 ng/kg/day) are 6.7 and 10 times lower than the RfDs EPA used to develop its 2016 HAs and similar to those developed by New Jersey, though they are based on different studies and endpoints. View full publication

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• Men's testosterone levels may be largely determined by where they grow up. (2018) www.sciencedaily.com
  Hormones Testosterone Environment

  From the article:

  The study found that Bangladeshi men who grew up and lived as adults in the UK had significantly higher levels of testosterone compared to relatively well-off men who grew up and lived in Bangladesh as adults. Bangladeshis in Britain also reached puberty at a younger age and were taller than men who lived in Bangladesh throughout their childhood.

  The researchers say the differences are linked to energy investment as it may only be possible to have high testosterone levels if there are not many other demands placed on the body such as fighting off infections. In environments where people are more exposed to disease or poor nutrition, developing males direct energy towards survival at the cost of testosterone.

  The researchers collected data from 359 men on height, weight, age of puberty and other health information along with saliva samples to examine their testosterone levels. They compared the following groups: men born and still resident in Bangladesh; Bangladeshi men who moved to the UK (London) as children; Bangladeshi men who moved to the UK as adults; second-generation, UK-born men whose parents were Bangladeshi migrants; and UK-born ethnic Europeans.

  Men with higher levels of testosterone are at greater risk of potentially adverse effects of this hormone on health and ageing. Very high levels can mean increased muscle mass, increased risk of prostate diseases and have been linked to higher aggression. Very low testosterone levels in men can include lack of energy, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. The testosterone levels of the men in the study were, however, all in a range that would unlikely have an impact on their fertility.

  View full publication

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• Exposure to high levels of phthalates may be associated with a decrease in testosterone levels of up to 34%. (2014) www.sciencedaily.com
  Hormones Testosterone Environment

  From the article:

  Animal and cellular studies have found that some phthalates block the effects of testosterone on the body’s organs and tissues. Researchers set out to examine whether these chemicals, which are widely used in flexible PVC plastics and personal care products, had a similar effect in humans.

  “We found evidence reduced levels of circulating testosterone were associated with increased phthalate exposure in several key populations, including boys ages 6-12, and men and women ages 40-60”

  […]

  Researchers found an inverse relationship between phthalate exposure and testosterone levels at various life stages. In women ages 40-60, for example, increased phthalate concentrations were associated with a 10.8 to 24 percent decline in testosterone levels. Among boys ages 6-12, increased concentrations of metabolites of a phthalate called di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or DEHP, was linked to a 24 to 34.1 percent drop in testosterone levels.

  View full publication

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• Data from nearly 80,000 twin pairs suggest that brain aneurysm ruptures are more commonly caused by environmental factors than by genes. (2010) www.sciencedaily.com
  Genetics Environment Tobacco Blood Pressure Aneurysm

  From the article:

  During the past few decades, the genetic makeup has been regarded as playing a significant role in the development of SAH [subarachnoid haemorrhage]. Contrary to this belief, however, a twin study recently published in the journal Stroke showed that environmental factors account for most of the susceptibility to develop SAH Conducted in Finland, Sweden and Denmark, the study is the largest population level twin study in the world.

  This means that instead of screening the close family members of SAH patients, the focus of preventive treatment may now be increasingly shifted to the efficient management of hypertension and smoking cessation intervention. This is what we do with other cardiovascular diseases as well."

  The Nordic study combined data on almost 80,000 pairs of twins over several decades. All in all, the follow-up time of all of the twin pairs corresponds to a staggering 6 million person-years.

  The researchers nevertheless emphasize that there are rare cases of families among whose members SAH is significantly more common than in the overall population. In these cases genetic factors are the principal cause underlying the development of the disease.

  View publication

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• Many carbonated bottled water products contain harmful "forever compounds." www.cbsnews.com
  Environment

  The average person living in a temperate climate requires approximately two liters of water each day for optimal metabolic function. Many people meet their water needs with bottled water. As a result, the bottled water industry in the United States is robust, with consumers spending more than $30 billion per year on water products. Findings from a recent Consumer Reports study indicate that some bottled water products contain heavy metals and harmful compounds called PFAS.

  Heavy metals are naturally occurring metallic elements that adversely affect human health. They enter the environment by natural means and through human activities. In very low concentrations, heavy metals maintain various biochemical and physiological functions, but at higher concentrations are often toxic. The most commonly found heavy metals in the environment include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc. The FDA sets standards for acceptable levels of heavy metals in foods and beverages.

  PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used in a variety of applications, including food packaging, household products, and drinking water, among others. Exposure to PFAS is linked to low birth weight, altered immune function, and cancer. Unlike some harmful synthetic compounds, PFAS are not excreted in bodily fluids like sweat or urine; rather, they persist in the body for indefinite periods and are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” The federal government and industry groups have set widely differing standards for acceptable levels of PFAS in water.

  The authors of the study tested two to four samples of 47 bottled waters (35 noncarbonated and 12 carbonated) for the presence of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury). They also tested the products for the presence of 30 PFAS.

  They found that all but one of the noncarbonated water products had heavy metal levels well below federal safety limits, but nearly all of the products showed measurable levels of PFAS. The carbonated water products also had heavy metal levels that were below federal safety limits, but many of the products showed measurable levels of PFAS.

  These findings suggest that carbonated water products are sources of exposure to PFAS and underscore the importance of establishing federally mandated limits for PFAS in bottled drinking water products.

  • Link to full article.
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• Air Pollution, health, and genetic risk www.nature.com
  Inflammation Genetics Pollution Environment

  [Abstract] Uncovering the interaction between genomes and the environment is a principal challenge of modern genomics and preventive medicine. While theoretical models are well defined, little is known of the G × E interactions in humans. We used an integrative approach to comprehensively assess the interactions between 1.6 million data points, encompassing a range of environmental exposures, health, and gene expression levels, coupled with whole-genome genetic variation. From ∼1000 individuals of a founder population in Quebec, we reveal a substantial impact of the environment on the transcriptome and clinical endophenotypes, overpowering that of genetic ancestry. Air pollution impacts gene expression and pathways affecting cardio-metabolic and respiratory traits, when controlling for genetic ancestry. Finally, we capture four expression quantitative trait loci that interact with the environment (air pollution). Our findings demonstrate how the local environment directly affects disease risk phenotypes and that genetic variation, including less common variants, can modulate individual’s response to environmental challenges.

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• Sulforaphane reduces circulating lead by almost 2/3rds and improve memory-related water maze task in lead-exposed mice. www.sciencedirect.com
  Fulltext Brain Alzheimer's Memory Environment Sulforaphane Vitamin A NRF2

  This study shows some pretty interesting things in terms of a dramatic ability to (apparently) decrease lead status in the blood and seems to also really improve memory performance and reduce oxidative stress (from the lead) in the brain. It’s really pretty impressive, especially in light of the fact that, according to this paper, the neurotoxic effects are associated with amyloid beta production. This makes it plausibly relevant in the context of Alzheimer’s.

  FTA:

  “Compared with the normal saline and [corn oil-treated] groups, the lead level in the blood of sulforaphane and SFN + Vitamin E group had a significant decrease. In water maze test, the mice treated with sulforaphane or/and Vitamin E performed better than mice of the normal saline and corn oil groups. In addition, a remarkable decrease in MDA (malondialdehyde) level was found in mice treated with sulforaphane or/and vitamin E than those in normal saline and corn oil groups.”

  Not stated explicitly so far as I could tell in the article, but the figure 2 makes it look like lead content in the blood is reduced by almost 2/3rds. According to figure 6, MDA in the hippocampus, a marker for oxidative status, rises by approximately half of what the lead-exposed non-SFN group did (normal saline). In other words: more oxidative stress than control in the hippocampus, but not as much as lead without sulforaphane. It’s almost like they got half the lead exposure, if the dose-response was linear. Similarly, actual memory function was dramatically improved (measured by maze task) relative to non-sulforaphane group… but still lagged control by a little bit.

  Altogether interesting study!

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