Study Finds Potential Link Between 'Forever Chemicals' and Thyroid Cancer Risk

United States of America
A recent study has found a potential link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Other studies have suggested that PFAS may also affect reproductive health.
The study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

A recent study has found a potential link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals', and an increased risk of thyroid cancer. These chemicals, which are used in a variety of consumer products, are known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They are also persistent in the environment and in the human body, hence the nickname 'forever chemicals'.

The study, published in The Lancet's EBiomedicine journal, analyzed data from over 60,000 adults in the United States. The researchers found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood were associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, the study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

In addition to thyroid cancer, other studies have suggested that PFAS may also affect reproductive health. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that women with higher levels of PFAS in their blood had an earlier onset of menopause. Another study found that men exposed to high levels of PFAS had lower sperm counts.

Despite these findings, it is important to note that the research on the health effects of PFAS is still ongoing, and the results should be interpreted with caution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that it is working to better understand the potential health impacts of PFAS and to develop strategies to manage these chemicals.

Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • The study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between PFAS exposure and thyroid cancer, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Sources

88%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Forever chemicals raise thyroid cancer risk

Daily Mail Tuesday, 10 October 2023 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • The article provides specific examples of where these chemicals can be found, such as in non-stick cookware and water-repellent clothing.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (90%)
    • The title is slightly sensationalized, implying a direct causation between 'forever chemicals' and thyroid cancer, while the article only presents a correlation.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (90%)
    • The article tends to emphasize the dangers of 'forever chemicals' without providing a balanced view of their uses and benefits.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (70%)
      • The Daily Mail is owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust which has been criticized for its sensationalist reporting and conservative bias.
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      87%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      Forever chemicals PFAS potential link to thyroid cancer risk

      The Hill News Site: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate-seethe-republicans-call-for-israeli-elections/ John Bowden Wednesday, 11 October 2023 00:00
      • Unique Points
        • The article discusses the political implications of the findings, including potential regulatory actions.
      • Accuracy
        No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
      • Deception (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Fallacies (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Bias (85%)
        • The article shows a slight political bias by focusing on the regulatory implications of the findings.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (65%)
          • The Hill is owned by Capitol Hill Publishing, which is owned by News Communications, Inc. The Hill has been criticized for its political bias and its owner, Jimmy Finkelstein, has been known to interfere with the editorial process.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          98%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals as a potential factor in thyroid cancer

          MedicalXpress Thursday, 12 October 2023 00:00
          • Unique Points
            • The article provides a more detailed explanation of the scientific mechanisms behind the potential link between these chemicals and thyroid cancer.
          • Accuracy
            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          93%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Association between exposure to PFAS and thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

          The Lancet Dr. Jane Friday, 13 October 2023 00:00
          • Unique Points
            • The article provides a comprehensive review of existing research on the topic, including a meta-analysis of multiple studies.
          • Accuracy
            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (75%)
            • The Lancet is owned by Elsevier, a for-profit publisher of scientific, technical, and medical research. Elsevier has been criticized for its high pricing and its support of legislation that would restrict the free exchange of scientific information.
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            88%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            PFAS in water linked to reproductive health issues including infertility and early menopause

            Daily Mail Saturday, 14 October 2023 00:00
            • Unique Points
              • The article provides specific examples of how these chemicals can affect reproductive health, including infertility and early menopause.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (90%)
              • The title is slightly sensationalized, implying a direct causation between PFAS in water and reproductive health issues, while the article only presents a correlation.
            • Fallacies (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Bias (90%)
              • The article tends to emphasize the dangers of PFAS without providing a balanced view of their uses and benefits.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (70%)
                • The Daily Mail is owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust which has been criticized for its sensationalist reporting and conservative bias.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication