Forget what you’ve been told in the past about your skin acting as a barrier to protect you from exposure to toxins as a new study shows that the dangerous “forever chemicals” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are absorbed through the skin at much higher levels than once believed.
This is according to a study carried out by researchers from the University of Birmingham, who conducted research with lab-grown tissue designed to mimic human skin to get a clearer picture of how much of these chemicals are absorbed.
They determined that “uptake through the skin could be a significant source of exposure to these harmful chemicals.” After applying samples of 17 PFAS compounds to their tissue model, they measured the proportions that were absorbed. They found that “substantial” amounts were absorbed by the skin and reach our bloodstream, which goes against previous claims that the skin serves as a barrier to protect us from these compounds.
For example, when it comes to one of the most common – and most toxic – varieties, PFOA, they found that the skin took in 13.5%, with an additional 38% being absorbed with a longer application. When you consider the fact that regulators in the U.S. say there is no level of safe exposure to the chemical in drinking water and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has designated it as “carcinogenic to humans,” it’s clear we should all be concerned.
Hellbound and Down 