New compounds replacing ‘forever chemicals’ in blood, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Levels of older PFAS ("forever chemicals") in human blood dropped by 86% between 2003 and 2021 due to manufacturing changes.
• A replacement compound called 9Cl-PF3ONS was found in 68% of people tested.
• A compound, Cl-PFNPA, never before identified in human blood, was also discovered.
• Scientists warn about the potential risks of these new, less understood PFAS replacements.

Detailed Insights:

• The decline in older PFAS levels reflects the impact of regulatory actions and changes in manufacturing processes.
• The emergence of 9Cl-PF3ONS and Cl-PFNPA highlights the challenge of continuously monitoring and regulating emerging chemical compounds.
• The presence of these new PFAS compounds raises concerns about potential long-term health effects and the need for further research.
• The study underscores the importance of proactive risk assessment and management strategies for chemical replacements to prevent unintended consequences.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): A group of man-made chemicals that persist in the environment and human body.
• 9Cl-PF3ONS: A replacement compound for older PFAS found in human blood samples.
• Cl-PFNPA: A compound never before identified in human blood samples.