New Study Uncovers Toxic Effects of PFAS Mixtures

A groundbreaking study has measured the toxicity of several types of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals,” when combined in the environment and human body. While individual PFAS chemicals showed relatively low toxicity, the study found that when mixed together, the entire combination became toxic. The research, led by Karla Ríos-Bonilla from the University at Buffalo and published in Environmental Science and Technology, focused on the effects of PFAS on cell lines testing for mitochondrial damage and neurotoxicity. It revealed that common PFAS like PFOA and PFOS significantly contribute to the overall toxicity of these mixtures.

This study is particularly important because it assesses PFAS toxicity in mixtures rather than individual chemicals, highlighting the need for new regulatory approaches. PFAS are widespread in consumer products and the environment, often contaminating water supplies and human blood. Though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set drinking water standards for six types of PFAS, over 15,000 varieties remain unregulated. The researchers stress that PFAS should be regulated as mixtures due to their combined harmful effects, and that toxicity testing can help assess the effectiveness of remediation efforts for polluted sites.

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