Exploring the Oxidative Stress Potential of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Nikita Shah, Lauren Endres

College of Arts & Sciences, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY, USA

The potential harmful effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), specifically PFOA was investigated. PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in many everyday products, known for their resistance to water and grease. It was important to understand how exposure to these chemicals might lead to oxidative stress in human cells. Using HEK293 cells, it was found that exposure to PFOA led to increased activity in mitochondria and higher levels of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). This indicates that PFOA could indeed induce oxidative stress, which can ultimately lead to cell death. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure. For future research, it’s crucial to dive deeper into how PFAS cause oxidative stress and explore ways to intervene or mitigate these effects. This could pave the way for developing strategies to protect human health from the harmful impacts of PFAS exposure, especially concerning long-term risks like cancer.