Researchers have found a way to absorb a toxic and long-lasting “forever chemical” which is often used in consumer goods.
Used in various consumer products
Products such as waterproof clothing, lipsticks and non-stick pans often contain PFAS (Perfluoroakyl and Polyfluoroakyl) substances due to their water and grease repellant properties.
But these substances are not easily degradable in nature and have significant links to health issues such links to increased cancer risk. Yet, thus far, no method to remove the toxic substance from the human body has been found.
Microbes can absorb PFAS
However, a study conducted at the University of Cambridge found that some microbes of a certain specified species have the potential to absorb a variety of PFAS molecules and consequently lessen the extent of the effects on humans.
The substance typically enters the body through the food and drink that we consume. Sometimes, the substance can be passed through the body through urine, but it has also been reported to stay in the body for several years.
Naturally located in the gut
The PFAS tackling microbes are located in the gut and have an incredibly high capacity to soak up the toxic substance and store it in their cells.
Researchers on the project introduced the microbe to the guts of mice, to create an artificial human microbiome. The study found that the bacteria rapidly removed the PFAS consumed by the mice and presented evidence that the forever chemical was removed by the mice in their faeces.
Tests of the microbe on humans have not yet taken place.
There are plans for the microbe to be implemented into probiotic dietary supplements which could vastly increase the levels of the bacteria in the human gut and consequently protect consumers against the toxicity of PFAS.
