Residents Near Two PA Military Bases Have Higher Toxins in Blood

Understanding the Health Impacts of PFAS Exposure

Recent research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has revealed that individuals living near military bases in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, as well as other regions, have higher levels of certain “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their blood compared to the general U.S. population. These findings highlight the ongoing concerns about the health effects of exposure to these persistent chemicals.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic compounds used since the 1940s in a variety of products, including waterproof clothing, nonstick cookware, and firefighting foams. Their resistance to breaking down in the environment and the human body has led to widespread contamination and long-term health risks.

Key Findings from the Study

The study, which tested blood samples from participants across eight states between 2019 and 2023, found that nearly all adults and children living near military bases had detectable levels of seven different PFAS compounds. The research focused on how exposure to PFAS through drinking water might affect health outcomes, making it one of the largest cross-sectional studies of its kind.

Pennsylvanians near suburban military bases were among those with the highest average levels of at least four PFAS compounds. While the health impacts remain unclear, some preliminary results suggest associations between PFAS and various health conditions.

For example, adults and children living near bases such as the Horsham Air Guard Station and the Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster site showed an average of 3.6 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of PFHxS in their blood, compared to a national average of 2.1 ng/ml. This compound was linked to higher blood pressure in the study.

Exploring Specific Health Outcomes

Lipids and Cholesterol

The study measured total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides in adults over 18. It found that higher levels of five PFAS compounds were associated with increased overall cholesterol but not with higher triglycerides. Researchers plan to investigate PFAS levels in children and their impact on lipids next.

Thyroid Function

Thyroid function was another area of focus. Higher PFAS levels were generally linked to a lower prevalence of hypothyroidism. However, the study found gender-specific differences: higher PFHxS levels were associated with a higher risk of hypothyroidism in females, while higher PFOS levels were linked to hyperthyroidism in males.

Diabetes

The relationship between PFAS and diabetes remains inconclusive. While some previous studies suggested a link, this study found no significant association between PFAS levels and markers of diabetes such as glucose, insulin, or A1c. In fact, some participants with higher PFAS levels were less likely to have diabetes.

Blood Pressure

Higher levels of PFOS and PFHxS were associated with elevated blood pressure, particularly in younger adults aged 18 to 29. The effects were more pronounced in those with a midrange body mass index.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, was examined through markers like MCP-1 and PAI-1. While higher PFOA and PFOS levels were linked to a lower likelihood of metabolic syndrome, they also correlated with higher levels of certain biomarkers associated with the condition.

Heart Disease

Despite some previous studies suggesting a link between PFAS and cardiovascular diseases, this study found no significant association between PFAS levels and heart disease. About 9.1% of participants reported having heart disease, similar to the general U.S. population.

Obesity

Interestingly, the study found that individuals with higher PFAS levels were less likely to be obese. Indicators such as body mass index, waist circumference, and body roundness index were examined, and the results suggested a potential inverse relationship between PFAS and obesity.

Limitations and Future Research

Researchers emphasized that the findings are preliminary and subject to change. No definitive conclusions have been drawn, and some results were contradictory. For instance, higher PFAS levels sometimes correlated with lower health risks. Further research is needed to establish cause-and-effect relationships and understand the long-term implications of PFAS exposure.

The study will present additional details at a conference in August, offering more insights into the complex relationship between PFAS and human health.