Home / Science / MS Risk Doubles with 'Forever Chemical' Exposure
MS Risk Doubles with 'Forever Chemical' Exposure
21 Dec
Summary
- Exposure to PFOS and PCBs linked to doubled MS diagnosis odds.
- A study found a connection between toxins and multiple sclerosis.
- Mixtures of chemicals may increase MS risk significantly.
New research has uncovered a significant association between exposure to pervasive environmental toxins and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). The study, published in Environment International, identified specific "forever chemicals," namely perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as being linked to higher odds of an MS diagnosis. Individuals with the highest detected levels of these substances demonstrated roughly double the risk compared to those with the lowest concentrations.
This groundbreaking study analyzed blood samples from individuals recently diagnosed with MS and compared them to a control group. Researchers observed that increased exposure to a combination of chemicals corresponded with a higher probability of developing MS, even after accounting for known lifestyle and genetic risk factors. Furthermore, a complex interaction was noted between genetic predispositions and chemical exposure, with one gene variant unexpectedly increasing MS risk in the presence of high PFOS levels.
"Forever chemicals" are known for their persistence in the body and have previously been associated with a range of serious health issues. The study authors emphasize the importance of considering chemical mixtures, rather than individual substances, when assessing the effects of environmental contaminants on human health. Although PCBs were banned in the U.S. in 1979, they persist in the environment, and PFAS chemicals are still in widespread use today.
