PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are in everyday items like non-stick pans, food packaging, and fire-fighting foam. These chemicals don’t break down easily, so they can build up in the environment and in our bodies over time. Studies have shown that PFAS can raise the risk of health problems like certain cancers, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
This study looked at PFAS in blood samples from over 600 SHOW participants. The study found that Wisconsin adults had lower PFAS levels than adults across the country. People with the highest levels in the study were more likely to be older, male, have a higher income and more often eat locally caught fish.
These findings help researchers take a closer look at how PFAS might affect health in Wisconsin.
For more information on how to reduce your PFAS exposure: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/meaningful-and-achievable-steps-you-can-take-reduce-your-risk
Read the full study findings: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37580384/
See news coverage around this study:
- “PFAS Found in Wisconsin Residents” – UW School of Medicine and Public Health
- “New study: Wisconsinites have PFAS in blood” – WQOW
- “UW School of Medicine and Public Health study shows most Wisconsinites’ blood contains PFAS” – InBusiness
- “Experts find PFAS is present in the blood of most Wisconsinites” – WSAW
- “Study finds most Wisconsinites have PFAS in their blood” – WMTV
- “Study: Most Wisconsin residents have ‘forever chemicals’ inside their bodies” – Spectrum 1
- “Most Wisconsin residents have “forever chemicals” in their bodies, says UW” – Channel 3000
- “New research finds ties between higher PFAS levels and eating caught fish, microwaved popcorn” – WPR