Researchers studied people who had PFAS in their drinking water. PFAS are in nonstick pans, stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foams. People call them "forever chemicals" because they do not break down and can build up in the body.
The study found that adults with higher PFAS in their blood produced fewer protective antibodies when they met a new virus. Antibodies help the body fight infection, so fewer antibodies mean a weaker defence. The effect was stronger in older adults, men and people who are overweight. Some families also reported health problems, including vaccines that seemed less effective for their children.
Difficult words
- forever chemicals — chemicals that do not break down in nature
- antibody — a blood protein that fights infections in bodyantibodies
- vaccine — a medicine that teaches the body to fight germsvaccines
- build up — to increase slowly in amount or size
- break down — to change into smaller parts and disappear
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you or your family used products like nonstick pans or stain-resistant fabrics?
- How would you feel if a vaccine seemed less effective for a child in your family?
- Are you worried about chemicals in drinking water? Why or why not?
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