Familiar things in everyday life threaten our hearts
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Dr. Anur Shankar and colleagues at the School of Public Health at the University of West Virginia have identified a possible link between cardiovascular disease and the effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
This chemical is used in various industries. It is used for the production of moisture-resistant, fire-resistant and non-dirty materials, as well as in the manufacture of clothing.
Many environmentalists around the world are calling for the ban on the use of this synthetic acid, pointing to its dangerous connections. However, industrial companies-giants deny these charges and continue to use it in production.
Scientists have conducted studies, the purpose of which was to study the action of perfluorooctanoic acid on the human body.
In the study of scientists took part 1216 people. Analyzes conducted by specialists showed that cardiovascular dysfunctions and diseases of peripheral arteries can be caused by the use in the home of such products as, for example, packaging for food, paper products, clothes, various coatings and, of course, popular Teflon dishes.
Physicians found the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid in the blood in 98% of study participants. Even if we expect that manufacturers will refuse to use this substance or at least reduce its dose, 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 the combined data table of the National Health and Nutrition Supervision Service for the period 1999-2000. 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 relationship exists and perfluorooctanoic acid, which is part of the product, increases the level of harmful cholesterol and is dangerous for blood vessels.
The connection and action of a toxic chemical does not depend on such risk factors as age, sex, nationality, body mass index and cholesterol level in the blood.
"Our results are evidence that the connection between cardiovascular diseases and perfluorooctanoic acid compounds exists, but in this section of the study of the problem make an unambiguous conclusion that it is the synthetic acid that is the primary cause of health problems," the authors comment.
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