LinkedIn
ALOOSTA
Contact
At the 30th meeting of the BfR Commission on Contaminants in the Food Chain, a commission member presented research results on the influence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on the immune system and the reproductive organs.
Placenta samples were examined up to the ninth week of pregnancy. In addition, in vitro models were used to analyse the effects of reproductive toxicity. The functionality of the placental organoids was examined after incubation with a PFAS mixture, whose pattern corresponded to that found in the placentas. This showed that the growth of placental cells is inhibited and the production of the hormone chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is reduced. hCG is a hormone that is important for maintaining pregnancy during the first 10 weeks. The effects of PFAS on the immune system, such as T-cell activation, are also under investigation.
A BfR employee informed about a new classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): PFOA is now classified as 'carcinogenic to humans' (group 1), while PFOS remains in group 2B (‘probably carcinogenic to humans'). While the IARC carcinogenicity classifications have no direct legal effect, they are recognised worldwide as the scientific standard. A higher classification in group 1 ('carcinogenic to humans') can have regulatory consequences, such as legally defined maximum levels, as well as consequences for occupational safety when using these substances.
Link (in German):
YOUR PLUS: The AGROLAB GROUP offers you robust and efficient LC-MS/MS methods at two locations, which are accredited for all matrices with a legal maximum limit. In addition, we are also accredited to analyse fish oils and other oils for PFAS contamination. For the further PFAS substances within the scope of the EU monitoring recommendation, we also offer methods with a lower limit of quantification.
Author: David Guth, AGROLAB GROUP
Contact
Career