Regular blood donation can remove toxic ‘forever chemicals’ from body, study finds
Plasma donation reduced average blood serum levels of ‘forever chemicals’ by about 30 per cent over 12-month period
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Regular blood donation can help reduce the levels of some toxic synthetic chemical compounds known as “forever chemicals” that persist in the body, according to a new study.
These chemicals, known as PFAS or “per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances”, are found in common household objects such as non-stick pans, stain- or water-resistant materials and paints as well as carpets and clothes, and have been implicated in a range of adverse health outcomes.
Plasma donation was found to be the most effective intervention, reducing mean serum PFOS levels by 2.9 ng/mL compared with a 1.1-ng/mL reduction with blood donation – “a significant difference” according to the scientists.
“Plasma donation was most effective, resulting in a roughly 30 per cent decrease in average blood serum PFAS concentrations over the 12-month trial period,” they wrote in The Conversation.
Researchers explained that the reduction in levels of the toxic chemicals was likely because PFAS are bound to proteins primarily found in the serum.
“This study provides the first avenue for affected individuals to remove PFAS from their bodies and redress the effects of their PFAS exposure,” scientists noted.
Plasma donation was likely more effective than blood donation since firefighters in the former group donated blood every six weeks, while those in the latter group donated every 12 weeks, researchers explained.
“Plasma PFAS concentrations are also about two times higher than blood PFAS concentrations, which could make plasma donation more efficient at reducing the body burden of PFAS chemicals,” they added.
However, scientists said more research was needed to determine the ideal frequency and volumes of donations that can be effective for lowering PFAS, “balancing the treatment efficacy with the obstacles to frequent donations”.