New York scientists have warned ‘forever chemicals’ in household objects could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
To conduct the study, which was published late last night, experts analysed health records and blood samples from 360 people, comparing individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to those without. They found people with higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) – otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’ – in their blood were up to 31% more likely to develop diabetes.
The chemicals can be found in everyday objects such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging and stain resistant furniture. They coined the name ‘forever chemicals’ because of their ability to persist in the environment and bloodstreams.
Dr Vishal Midya, lead researcher of the study and assistant professor of environmental medicine at Mount Siani’s Ichan School of Medicine, said: ‘PFAs are synthetic chemicals that resist heat, oil, water and stains, and are found in countless everyday consumer products.’
Funded by the National Institute of Environmental health Sciences, the research was published amid global talks on whether to limit the use of PFAs in the upcoming UN plastics treaty.
Against this backdrop, a vast number of countries in the European Union have already announced or implemented their own restrictions.
Dr Damaskini Valvi, associate professor of public health and environmental medicine at Mount Sinai, added: ‘Mounting research suggests that PFAs are a risk factor for several chronic diseases such as obesity, liver disease and diabetes.’
The full study, available in eBioMedicine, can be read here.
Photo by isens usa via UnSplash
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