Are Stain Repellants making you more susceptible to developing Thyroid Disease?

The latest research from a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) has for the first time linked thyroid disease with human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

This chemical is a persistent organic chemical used in industrial and consumer goods, including nonstick cookware and stain- and water-resistant coatings for carpets and fabrics. It is also used during the process of making common household and industrial items, including nonstick pots and pans, flame-resistant and waterproof clothing, wire coatings, and chemical-resistant tubing. PFOA can also be formed by the breakdown of certain other highly fluorinated chemicals used in oil- and grease-resistant coatings on fast-food containers and wrappers and in stain-resistant carpets, fabrics, and paints. Some of these products are everyday items that are used in our home.

Numerous animal studies show that PFAAs can affect the functioning of the mammalian thyroid hormone system, which is essential for maintaining heart rate, regulating body temperature, and supporting many other body functions, including metabolism, reproduction, digestion, and mental health

This latest study revealed that people with higher concentrations of PFOA in their blood were more likely to report a history of thyroid disease.

Tamara Galloway, a professor of eco-toxicology at the University of Exeter (U.K.) School of Biosciences and the study’s senior author, says, “These results highlight a real need for further research into the human health effects of low-level exposures to environmental chemicals like PFOA that are ubiquitous in the environment and in people’s homes. We need to know what they are doing.”

However due to the methodology used in conducting the experiment Galloway stresses that the evidence from the new study does not rule out the possibility that having thyroid disease may change the way the body handles PFOA. Further research is needed.

If you’re already dedicated to making healthy choices then you may already be avoiding many of the possible offenders. Our advice from a natural living and healthcare perspective is to choose natural products for your home wherever possible, for instance, natural paints, wood flooring, or wool rich carpets and natural fabrics such as hemp or jute. If possible avoid stain repellants especially in closed spaces and on sofas and furnishings. Avoid re-using fast food wrappers and containers and safety dispose of them in the bin. Choose pots and pans that are stainless steel or ceramic based rather than non stick and opt for natural fibre, untreated organic clothing where possible.