**New Research Raises Alarm Over Short-Chain PFAS Safety in Developing Male Brains**
A recent investigation from the University of Rochester has raised questions regarding the safety of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a chemical aimed at substituting longer-chain PFAS compounds. While PFHxA was considered a safer option, the results indicate it might still endanger the developing male brain.
The research focused on male mice exposed to PFHxA during crucial developmental stages, revealing that these mice displayed anxiety and memory problems into adulthood, even after PFHxA had been eliminated from their bodies. In contrast, female mice exhibited no behavioral alterations under the same circumstances. This gender-specific outcome parallels human developmental disorders like autism and ADHD, which mainly affect males.
Significant findings comprise dose-dependent accumulation in the brain, targeted effects on the cerebellum, and long-lasting behavioral changes observed only in male mice, with these effects remaining after the chemical’s absence. The study is especially urgent in light of recent regulatory developments, such as the EU’s PFHxA restrictions scheduled for 2024.
Researchers underline the importance of additional studies to grasp PFHxA’s effects and advocate for a reassessment of current safety evaluations concerning short-chain PFAS. The results emphasize potential deficiencies in current chemical regulations and highlight the need to investigate broader health ramifications, particularly for vulnerable developing systems.