- New scientific study shows PFAS weaken adult immune systems.
- PFAS are used in many household products today.
- Examples include nonstick pans and stain-resistant fabrics.
- These chemicals do not break down in nature.
- PFAS can build up slowly in the human body.
- People exposed by contaminated drinking water show higher levels.
- Higher PFAS levels made bodies produce fewer antibodies.
- Fewer antibodies mean a weaker response to new viruses.
- Some families already see health problems from exposure.
Difficult words
- immune — Protected from certain diseases or infections
- household — Things used in a home
- chemical — A substance used in products or industrychemicals
- contaminate — Make something dirty or unsafecontaminated
- antibody — A protein the body makes to fight germsantibodies
- weaken — Make something less strong or effective
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you have nonstick pans at home?
- Do you drink tap or bottled water at home?
- Are you worried about chemicals in products you buy?
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