Home »  News »  Thyroid disease linked to non-stick chemicals

Thyroid disease linked to non-stick chemicals

Recent research has linked a chemical used in consumer goods like non-stick pans and water-resistant fabrics with thyroid disease, raising questions about the potential health risks of exposure to the substance.

Thyroid disease linked to non-stick chemicals

Recent research has linked a chemical used in consumer goods like non-stick pans and water-resistant fabrics with thyroid disease, raising questions about the potential health risks of exposure to the substance.

It has been found that people with high levels of the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in their blood have higher rates of thyroid diseases - conditions which affect the body's metabolism. PFOA is a common chemical, mainly used of as an emulsifier for polymerization of fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, or Teflon), polyvinylidene fluoride and fluoroelastomers, used in industrial and consumer products including non-stick cooking pans, stain-proof carpet coatings and waterproofing for fabrics.

Previous studies of people living near sites where PFOA is manufactured have not found an association between exposure to these chemicals and thyroid function. The thyroid, located in the neck, is a kind of master gland, secreting hormones affecting metabolism. People with low thyroid function may lose hair, gain weight and feel sluggish, while those with overactive thyroids may lose weight and feel their hearts race. Both conditions can be treated.

Researchers from Britain looked at 3966 American adults aged 20 and above whose blood serum was sampled between 1999 and 2006 for PFOA. They found that those with the highest PFOA concentrations (above 5.7 nanograms per millilitre) were more than twice as likely to report current thyroid disease as individuals with the lowest levels (below 4.0 ng/ml). Thyroid diseases are much more common in women than men, but in terms of the link between PFOA and thyroid disease, the researchers found no difference between the sexes.

The study was unable to tell that the two things were definitely linked. It is also not known whether this chemical is directly affecting the thyroid. Thyroid disease is often caused by the body's own immune system attacking the thyroid gland so perhaps this chemical is having some effect on the immune system, rather than directly on the thyroid.

According to the researchers the link might be complex and indirect, therefore there is need for further studies of the human health effects of low-level exposures to chemicals like PFOA.

COMMENT

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Was this Article Helpful Yes or No

................... Advertisement ...................

 

................... Advertisement ...................

................... Advertisement ...................

................... Advertisement ...................

--------------------------------Advertisement---------------------------------- -