(ORDO NEWS) — Eternal chemicals are a whole group of artificially synthesized compounds. There are about 5 thousand of them, the most famous of them is Teflon.
Cookware with such a coating is in almost every kitchen.
But such substances have been widely used since the middle of the last century for the production of food packaging, disposable cups, water-repellent fabrics, cosmetics, toys, and even foam for fire extinguishers.
Organofluorine Chemical Compounds (or PFAS) are extremely durable and repel water and grease. The only problem is that they practically do not decompose – that is why they are called “eternal”. Scientists don’t even know their half-life.
At the same time, PFAS have the ability to accumulate in water, soil, human and animal bodies. Recent medical research suggests that that eternal chemicals are not very good for health.
There is evidence that they are associated with increased cholesterol levels, reduced infant growth, weakened immune systems, and can even provoke kidney and liver cancer.
American scientists decided to analyze how the use of freshwater fish affects the level of “eternal chemistry” in the body.
Doctors had reason to think that fish was one of the main sources of pollution: for example, among migrant fishermen from Burma, who in the Great Lakes region carried carp on a professional basis, PFAS levels were 6 times higher than the US average.
Biologists conducted sampling in all 49 contiguous states of the United States , out of 349 samples of fish fillets, only one did not contain components of the “eternal chemistry”. The study provides interesting data:
– In urban areas, the level of pollution was 2.7 times higher than in rural areas. Which is quite natural. Fish caught in the city should be put aside for the cat. If you don’t feel sorry for him.
– By eating a portion of fish weighing 225 grams, you will get the same amount of PFAS as contained in a serving of water that you drink during the month (approximately 39.6 liters).
– The average concentration of PFAS in freshwater fish is 280 times higher than in saltwater and farmed fish.
“The level of pollution of river fish with “eternal chemistry” is simply amazing!” says lead author Nadia Barbeau of Duke University.
Researchers attribute this to the fact that for decades this class of synthetic substances has not been disposed of, but thoughtlessly sent to landfills.
And from there, without any difficulty, along with rainwater, it fell into streams, rivers and lakes.
The situation is approximately the same in other countries of the world. Monitoring in South Korea, Vietnam, Canada, Italy, France, Finland demonstrates an extremely high level of pollution of freshwater fish.
The conclusion is simple: citizens should force the authorities to deal with the problem of hazardous waste disposal. In the meantime, it is better to switch to either marine fish or industrially grown fish.
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