New publications
Habitual things in the household threaten our heart
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Dr. Anur Shankar and colleagues from the West Virginia University School of Public Health have identified a possible link between cardiovascular disease and exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
This chemical is used in various industries. It is used to produce moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, and stain-resistant materials, as well as in the manufacture of clothing.
Many environmentalists around the world are calling for a ban on the use of this synthetic acid, pointing to its hazardous compounds. However, industrial giants deny these accusations and continue to use it in production.
Scientists conducted research aimed at studying the effects of perfluorooctanoic acid on the human body.
The study involved 1,216 people. The analyses conducted by the specialists showed that cardiovascular dysfunctions and peripheral arterial diseases can be caused by the use of household items such as food packaging, paper products, clothing, various coatings and, of course, the popular Teflon cookware.
Doctors found the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid in the blood of 98% of study participants. Even if we hope that manufacturers will refuse to use this substance or at least reduce its doses, the results will still not be the most rosy: the half-life of these compounds in the human body is 3.8 years.
The experts also used a combined table of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Service for the period from 1999 to 2000 and from 2003 to 2004.
“Cardiovascular diseases are a global problem of our time, which is why it is important to identify all possible risk factors that can provoke the development of diseases and try to eliminate this danger,” says study co-author Dr. Anur Shankar.
The study showed that this connection exists and that perfluorooctanoic acid, which is part of the products, increases the level of harmful cholesterol and is dangerous for blood vessels.
The association and effect of the toxic chemical is independent of risk factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index and blood cholesterol levels.
“Our results confirm that there is a link between cardiovascular disease and perfluorooctanoic acid compounds, but in this context of studying the problem, it is impossible to make a definitive conclusion that it is the synthetic acid that is the primary cause of health problems,” the authors comment.
[ 1 ]