What is the Origin of PFAS Exposure?

The term combines the acronym PFAS, which denotes the chemical class, with "exposure," referring to the contact with and uptake of the substance. This is a concept rooted in environmental toxicology and public health, with growing recognition in clinical endocrinology due to their ubiquitous presence and demonstrated biological effects. Research on their endocrine disruption capabilities has accelerated in the 21st century.

What is the Mechanism of PFAS Exposure?

Once absorbed, PFAS compounds can mimic or block hormone receptors, alter the expression of enzymes involved in steroidogenesis, or interfere with the liver's ability to clear hormones and toxins. For example, certain PFAS can disrupt the binding of thyroid hormone to its transport proteins, leading to altered thyroid signaling. This mechanism of interference, even at low concentrations, compromises the precise regulatory balance of the endocrine system.

PFAS Exposure ∞ Area

PFAS Exposure

Meaning

PFAS exposure refers to the systemic absorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, a large group of synthetic chemicals found in numerous consumer and industrial products, into the human body. These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and the body, earning them the moniker “forever chemicals.” In the context of hormonal health, PFAS are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) because they can interfere with the synthesis, metabolism, and action of endogenous hormones, including thyroid and sex steroids. Chronic exposure is a significant environmental factor contributing to hormonal dysregulation and metabolic disorder.