Two New Reasons to Reexamine PFAS Safety, Exposure: Pregnancy and Sleep

woman wearing makeup nail polish asleep
Some PFAS were associated with shorter sleep duration and others, with higher sleep disturbances and sleep-related impairments.
Image by raisondtre at Adobe Stock

As most cosmetic chemists know, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of human-made chemicals to which consumers are widely exposed. Applications range from cosmetics and personal care products (e.g., lipstick, moisturizers, nail polish, hair conditioner, etc.) to firefighting foams, water-resistant fabrics, food packaging and more. These materials have raised concern due to their slow (if any) ability to biodegrade and subsequent accumulation in the environment and individuals. While scientists are still learning about their potential effects, only certain PFAS have been linked to health issues. Still, the presence of any PFAS, period, has alarmed consumers and regulators  and two recent studies have made headlines.

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