The German Environment Agency has issued a warning that children in Germany have too many long-lasting PFAS chemicals in their blood. The current study is expected to form part of the basis for an EU-wide restriction on this group of substances. The list of possible consequences of a high PFAS concentration in the blood is long. For example, susceptibility to infections can increase, babies can be born with less weight, vaccinations are less effective, and cholesterol levels can rise, which in turn increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to the Environment Agency, these chemicals do not occur naturally and accumulate in the environment, in animals, and in humans. Even when a mother is breastfeeding, these chemicals can be passed on to the child. Meanwhile, the substances have been detected almost everywhere in the world: in soils, on beaches, in mountains, in lakes, and in the seas. Targeted search operations have already shown in the past that the chemicals have been found in otters, seals, polar bears, and sea eagles. The German Environment Agency is currently coordinating with other European countries to ban these chemicals in the EU as much as possible.
The study conducted by the German Environment Agency has revealed alarming results regarding the presence of PFAS chemicals in the blood of German children. These chemicals, which do not occur naturally, have been found to accumulate in the environment, animals, and humans. The consequences of a high concentration of PFAS in the blood are numerous and can lead to serious health issues such as increased susceptibility to infections, lower birth weight, reduced effectiveness of vaccinations, and higher cholesterol levels. The chemicals can even be passed on to infants through breastfeeding. The substances have been detected in various parts of the world, including soils, beaches, mountains, lakes, and seas. The German Environment Agency is working with other European countries to ban these chemicals in the EU as much as possible. The study is expected to form part of the basis for an EU-wide restriction on this group of substances. It is crucial to address this issue to protect the health of children and the environment.
