Concerns regarding the environmental impact of man-made chemicals known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have intensified following new research indicating that these substances can alter the genes of unhatched ducklings. This discovery has prompted discussions within the European Union about potentially imposing a blanket ban on these so-called “forever chemicals,” which are notorious for their persistence in the environment.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), highlights the pervasive presence of PFAS in various products, including frying pans, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. According to Anne-Fleur Brand, a former Ph.D. research fellow at NTNU, these chemicals are widespread, contaminating drinking water and even outdoor environments, such as cross-country ski tracks, due to their previous use in ski wax.
Impact of PFAS on Duckling Development
The research focused on two newly identified PFAS chemicals found in wild duck eggs, about which little was previously known. Professor Veerle Jaspers from NTNU’s Department of Biology stated, “We conducted our experiments under controlled laboratory conditions due to the numerous external factors affecting wild birds.” The team injected the duck eggs with either one of the new PFAS chemicals or with PFOS, a previously banned compound known for its harmful effects.
After sealing the eggs and incubating them for four weeks, the researchers analyzed samples from three critical organs of the hatched ducklings: the liver, heart, and bursa fabricii. These organs were selected for their roles in metabolism, cardiovascular health, and immune development, respectively.
Key Findings on Gene Expression
The study revealed significant changes in gene expression within the liver of ducklings exposed to the new PFAS compounds. Specifically, genes that regulate fat metabolism were altered, which could threaten the survival and reproductive success of mallard ducks. Brand emphasized the importance of fat storage and usage in relation to the breeding season and migration patterns.
Interestingly, the heart showed minimal effects from the exposure, which was unexpected given previous findings that other PFAS compounds could negatively impact heart development in various species, including humans. Brand noted that the timing of the tests might have played a role, as detrimental effects could emerge later in development.
In the bursa fabricii, a unique organ in birds that aids in immune system development, the researchers found increased activity in a gene responsible for detecting viral infections. This heightened activity suggests a potential readiness to combat infections, although it may also indicate unnecessary stress within the immune system. Further research is necessary to understand the long-term implications for the ducklings’ health, particularly in relation to threats like avian influenza.
The findings underscore the risk associated with PFAS exposure, indicating that new compounds can elicit effects comparable to those of previously understood harmful substances like PFOS. As the EU contemplates regulating PFAS as a collective group, rather than addressing each compound individually, these results advocate for a more comprehensive approach to managing these persistent pollutants.
The researchers stressed the importance of gathering more data to support regulatory actions and highlighted the need for caution given the long-lasting presence of PFAS in the environment. “Forever chemicals do not just have long-term consequences. They are a problem right from the very beginning of life,” the authors concluded in their study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.
This research not only adds to the growing body of evidence regarding the harmful effects of PFAS but also emphasizes the urgency for regulatory bodies to take action in addressing these hazardous substances.