#ForeverChemicals

A global study indicates certain gut microbes can absorb and store PFAS, a group of persistent pollutants often called forever chemicals. Researchers say this microbial behavior could lead to probiotic approaches that help the body excrete these toxins. PFAS contamination is a concern in Thailand, found in groundwater near industrial sites and in the broader food chain, underscoring the potential relevance of this science for Thai public health.

PFAS are used in waterproofing, packaging, cosmetics, and firefighting foams. Their chemical stability causes accumulation in soil, water, and living beings, with links to cancers, kidney damage, developmental issues, and hormonal disruption. In Thailand, groundwater near industrial areas has shown PFAS presence, raising concerns about daily exposure and the safety of food and consumer products. Public health authorities advocate tighter controls and cleaner environments.

A groundbreaking international study has found that certain human gut bacteria are capable of soaking up and storing toxic “forever chemicals,” a class of persistent pollutants known formally as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Researchers believe this unexpected microbial ability could form the basis of innovative probiotic therapies to help the human body rid itself of these hazardous substances, which are already widespread in Thailand’s environment and food chain. The findings offer new hope in the urgent battle against PFAS, which have been linked to a wide range of health risks worldwide.

A ground-breaking study led by researchers at the University of Rochester has pinpointed a possible biological reason behind the well-documented trend: boys are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) three times more often than girls. The focus of the research is on the impact of a common contaminant known as PFHxA, a “forever chemical” used in products ranging from food packaging to stain-resistant fabrics, which has now been shown to cause anxiety and behavioral changes predominantly in male offspring—a finding with striking implications for families in Thailand and around the world (Daily Mail).

A new study from a leading university explores why neurodevelopmental diagnoses may show gender differences. Focused on PFHxA, a PFAS chemical found in packaging and stain-resistant fabrics, the research reports that prenatal and early-life exposure in mice led to anxiety, memory challenges, and reduced activity mainly in male offspring. Female offspring appeared less affected. Although conducted in animals, experts say the findings prompt important questions about environmental exposure and child development worldwide, including Thailand.

A new digital grassroots movement is gaining momentum on American college campuses, where students, inspired by social media and a growing distrust of mainstream nutrition advice, are rejecting ultra-processed foods, plastics, and so-called “forever chemicals” in favor of a “crunchy,” whole foods lifestyle. As reported in a recent New York Post feature, this subculture—previously confined to niche communities—has found energised new leaders among young people broadcasting their holistic health crusades on TikTok.

A growing online conversation among university students in the United States is reshaping how young people think about food. Inspired by social media and a skepticism toward traditional nutrition guidance, some students are embracing a “crunchy” lifestyle that favors whole foods, reduced reliance on plastics, and concerns about forever chemicals. These conversations have spread through TikTok, drawing new leaders into a broader debate about what constitutes healthy eating.

Young influencers are using short videos to question campus dining norms, share homemade meals, and promote alternatives to ultra-processed foods. They emphasize ingredient literacy, self-care, and a preference for natural products. Health coaching and personal discovery play a central role as students seek a sense of identity through dietary choices.

A new peer-reviewed study suggests that soluble fibre from oats may assist the body in expelling PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals. The finding provides a hopeful avenue for communities in Thailand and beyond concerned about persistent environmental pollutants. The study, published in Environmental Health on June 4, 2025, marks a cautious advance in reducing PFAS in humans.

PFAS are synthetic compounds used worldwide in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging, waterproof clothing, and cosmetics. Their durability makes them highly resistant to heat, oil, and water, but it also means they linger in the environment and in the human body for years. Research links PFAS exposure to cancers, fertility issues, developmental problems in children, thyroid disease, and immune system effects. In Thailand, concerns have grown as reports indicate PFAS contamination in drinking water, textiles, and household items, underscoring the need for protective public health measures.

A recent scientific breakthrough has found that a simple dietary supplement—soluble fibre from oats—may help the human body flush out toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. This offers a glimmer of hope to communities in Thailand and around the world concerned about the health hazards of persistent environmental pollutants. The peer-reviewed study, published in Environmental Health on 4 June 2025, marks a significant step forward in the battle against chemicals that have long defied removal from our bodies. Read more on The Independent.

A new study from Boston University suggests beta-glucan fiber supplements may help reduce certain PFAS, the so‑called “forever chemicals,” in the blood. In four weeks, participants taking oat-based beta-glucan before meals showed an average eight percent drop in PFAS levels, especially the long-chain varieties linked to cancer and other health issues. The finding is generating interest for health systems worldwide, including in Thailand, where PFAS exposure is a growing concern.

A new breakthrough by researchers at Boston University is offering hope in the fight against dangerous “forever chemicals”—formally known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—that have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues. According to the latest studies, taking beta-glucan fiber supplements, specifically three times daily, can decrease the concentration of these harmful chemicals in the blood by up to eight percent over four weeks, marking a significant development for global and Thai public health alike (GB News, The Guardian).