STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Researchers looked into associations between PFAS levels and thyroid cancer diagnosis
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment and bioaccumulate in people and wildlife
Exposure to PFAS was significantly associated with thyroid cancer; a 56% increased rate of diagnosis occurred per doubling of linear PFOS intensity
PFAS may lead to cancer by causing changes in epigenetics, immunosuppression, oxidative stress, inflammation or via hormone and metabolomic pathways
Due to their ability to repel oil, dirt and water, PFAS chemicals are widely used in consumer products including nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabric and firefighting foams