USC study: “forever chemical” linked to liver cancer

A study from the University of Southern California (USC) has found a link between exposure to a synthetic chemical and a higher risk of liver cancer. The chemical is perfluooctane sulfate (PFOS) and belongs to a group of man-made substances popularly known as “forever chemicals”. These substances are per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) widely used in consumer and industrial products. They are extremely resistant and break down very slowly, making them a health and environmental hazard. The USC study confirms a strong link between PFAS exposure and liver cancer using blood samples collected before the cancer developed. The researchers examined data from over 200,000 people in Los Angeles and Hawaii. From this group, they selected 50 people who later developed liver cancer and compared them to 50 people who did not. The results indicated that people with high levels of PFOS in their blood were 4.5 times more likely to develop liver cancer compared to those with low levels.
Researchers also looked at how PFOS might harm the liver. They found that the chemical can interfere with liver processes, allowing fat to build up in the organ. This fat accumulation can lead over time to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It affects millions of people around the world and can often contribute to the development of liver cancer. The USC study suggests that PFAS exposure may be one of the key factors behind the recent increase in NAFLD and liver cancer cases.
The researchers plan to confirm their findings with further studies. In the meantime, they urge the public to pay attention to what they are exposed to in the environment because it can have serious health effects.