By Treven Pyles
Posted on August 21st, 2024
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are complex man-made chemicals that are harmful to humans when occupational exposure occurs or when these are widespread in the environment. PFAS exposure has been linked to significant health concerns, among which kidney cancer. Here is an overview of the studies that indicate a link between PFAS and kidney cancer.
PFAS are unique chemicals because they are resistant to water, oil, and degradation due to their distinct carbon-fluorine bond. These properties led to their use in making water-repellent clothing, non-stick cooking utensils, and firefighting foams. The same properties render these chemicals hazardous as these are persistent in our environment, and detectable in human blood. The versatile use and environmental persistence of PFAS have increased concerns about their health impacts, including the risk of kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer is a complex disease with several risk factors. In addition to genetics, environmental factors do play an essential role in the development of kidney cancer. Studying the potential link between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer is an area of interest for researchers.
Recent studies reveal a link between PFAS and kidney cancer
Higher incidences of kidney cancer and mortality have been noted in individuals who were exposed to PFAS while working at a PFAS-producing plant and among residents of communities with PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Recent studies provide valuable insight into PFAS exposure and kidney cancer risk. The most extensive study conducted to date to verify the association of PFAS and risk for kidney cancer was published in 2020, and it was found that individuals with the highest perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels were over twice as likely to develop kidney cancer.
The Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB) investigators conducted a case-control study to verify the risk of kidney cancer in relation to serum PFAS concentrations. The findings suggested an increased risk of kidney cancer with higher exposure to PFAS.
The multiethnic cohort study, as the name suggests, explored the relationship between blood PFAS levels and kidney cancer risk in a diverse population consisting of various racial groups. This study suggests an increased kidney cancer risk in participants with high levels of PFAS, and it was strongly seen among African American participants.
Epidemiological studies and their key findings and implications
Epidemiological studies involving populations exposed to PFAS at the workplace or due to contaminated drinking water or by staying close to PFAS-emitting sites have shown a high incidence of kidney cancer in areas with elevated PFAS exposure levels. This suggests that PFAS exposure may be a potential risk factor for kidney cancer.
Due to their higher PFAS exposure, populations involved in certain occupations, such as firefighters, have been identified as high-risk populations. Additionally, people living in areas with documented PFAS contamination have shown increased rates of kidney cancer.
Environmental Litigation Group P.C. provides legal assistance for PFAS-exposure victims
If you or your loved ones have been harmed by PFAS exposure and have received a diagnosis of kidney cancer, you can hold the manufacturers accountable for your injury and claim financial compensation.
While money cannot reduce your suffering, the compensation can ease the financial burden that your kidney cancer diagnosis can cause.
We encourage you to contact the dedicated attorneys of Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. experienced in handling environmental toxic exposure claims.
