Bioaccumulation is a very relevant term in today’s world. It is the process of building up of substances due to a higher rate of absorption and a lower rate of excretion. The food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe can all cause bioaccumulation of harmful substances in our bodies.
In the US, over 70 million people are exposed to “forever chemicals” in drinking water. These tests by the Environmental Protection Agency have been performed on only one-third of public water. On testing the complete system, over 200 million people may be found to be impacted. That is a staggering 60% of the population of the country.
Forever chemical is a name given to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. These chemicals are extremely persistent, not only in the environment but also in the human body. Bioaccumulation of these and other chemicals can be extremely harmful and lead to a number of health problems.
Bioaccumulative substances are fat-soluble, helping them get stored in the body. As opposed to water-soluble substances that can be flushed out through excretion. The accumulation keeps building up, raising the concentration of the substances with continued exposure.
Everyday Sources of Bioaccumulation
We may think that the build-up of such substances must happen in areas with heavy industrial chemicals or huge manufacturing units. But that is so not true. Everyday products and consumables expose us to such substances regularly. Of these, 3 main sources are food, water, and household products.
Our food may contain chemicals and elements like mercury, pesticides, and concentrated Vitamin A. Fish like tuna carry mercury in levels that are harmful for human consumption. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, nearly all fish contain traces of methylmercury. Seafood is, in fact, the most common way that US citizens are exposed to mercury.
Household products like non-stick cookware, plastic containers, and cosmetics are also sources of bioaccumulative substances like PFAS. These may be ingested through food and liquids or absorbed in the skin. A report by the CDC and NHANES found PFAS in the bloodstream of 97% of Americans. As newer PFAS get introduced in the market, it appears to be getting more difficult to assess their exposure.
It is no news that water and air quality near industrial sites can be heavily compromised. These industrial emissions expose us to toxins like dioxins and benzene.
Benzene can have serious effects like impact on bone marrow leading to anemia, excessive bleeding, irregular periods in women, and decreased fertility in men and women. Dioxin has been known to cause developmental issues in children, interfere with hormones, and cause miscarriages. It has also been linked to chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease.
These sources assist bioaccumulation and heavily impact our health. Let’s take a look at some of the major impacts it has on us.
The Impact of Bioaccumulation on Our Health
From minor disruptions to chronic illnesses, bioaccumulation can have alarming effects on our health. According to TruLaw, exposure to forever chemicals is linked to many types of cancer, increase in cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and even decreased vaccine response in children.
Bioaccumulation negatively impacts the endocrine system which looks after the hormones. Phthalates and PFAS that are commonly found in cosmetics and cookware, interfere with reproductive health and cause developmental delays in children.
Exposure to lead, mercury, and other such heavy metals weakens immunity with time. A study says that heavy metals adversely affect cytokines, cells, and immunoglobulin levels. Prenatal exposure is a key window for them to impair children’s immune function.
PFAS can cause major respiratory and organ damage as well. Compounds like PFAS are used in firefighting foams, raising serious concerns for the firefighters and communities living near fire training sites. These concerns have led many to seek legal aid and file cases against the manufacturers.
In the latest AFFF lawsuit update, the IDHS is urging fire departments to join the cause. In general, anyone who has suffered from health problems due to AFFF exposure is qualified to pursue compensation.
Ways to Limit Bioaccumulation
Given the presence of chemicals in the world around us, it seems impossible to completely prevent exposure. However, there are a few ways to limit it as much as possible.
- Try to limit the consumption of seafood, especially those with high levels of mercury, like tuna, swordfish, and shark. Drinking filtered water is highly recommended. Tap water can contain high amounts of chemicals and pollutants that are bioaccumulative in nature.
- When buying new cookware or other household products, check the labels for phthalate-free and PFAS-free. You can also search for eco-friendly or organic products to reduce the possibility of toxins in the ingredients. Ventilate indoor spaces regularly to improve air quality. Usage of products with chemical fumes and pungent odors should be followed by proper air ventilation.
- Support brands that follow sustainable practices and abide by the law. Keep in touch with policy changes like the Regulation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals, so that you are better equipped as a consumer and a citizen. Help your loved ones understand the effects of forever chemicals, and bioaccumulation and spread awareness.
Understanding concepts like bioaccumulation is the first step towards a conscious lifestyle and making healthier choices. While we understand that avoiding these substances completely is impossible, we hope that this article gave you enough insights to begin taking precautions and limiting their effects.
