Shock research: Carcinogenic chemicals found in food, water and animals around the world – Maps

The chemical substances that cause cancer are now in animal blood on nearly all of Earth’s continents, new research has revealed, mapping the findings.

The analysis reveals the extent to which these toxic substances polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) poison creatures all over the world while already connected to liver disease, cancer, kidney stress, fetal complications and other serious health problems in humans.

Known as “eternal chemicals”, because they do not break down, PFASs have been found in horses, dogs, Siberian tigers, pandas, sea lions, wild boars, otters and even oysters.

The research, which was based on more than 100 recent studiesrevealed that the eternal chemicals may have harmed more than 330 species of wildlife around the world.

However, the fact that these chemicals can be transported long distances through the atmosphere suggests that even species far from industrial sources may have become infected.

About 120 different species of PFAS compounds were found in the blood of the animals, according to the analysis, while it is possible that the number is much higher.

Which organisms are infected?

• Horses
• Whales
• Ticks
• Dogs
• Sea lions
• Otters
• Wild boar
• Oysters
• Siberian tigers
• Always
• Cats
• Polar bears
• Fish
• Frogs
• Plankton
• Turtles

Risks

Certain types of PFAS chemicals – notably the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) – have been linked to cancer, reduced immune function and thyroid disease, among other health disorders.

Experts believe that the nursing mothers, as well as young childrenare at particular risk from PFAS, which can affect both development and reproductive health.

How chemicals get into water and food

• PFASs are artificial chemicals used as oil repellents and water repellents, for coatings on cookware, carpets and fabrics.
• These chemicals, which disrupt the endocrine system, they don’t break down when they are released into the environment and continue to accumulate over time.
• PFAS chemicals can contaminate drinking water supplies near facilities where they are used.
• PFAS contamination has been detected in water near manufacturing facilities, as well as military bases and firefighting training facilities where PFAS-containing foam is used.
• They also enter the food supply through food packaging materials and contaminated soil.