Mentor/s
Dr. Charles Gillespie & Dr. Brian Stiltner
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS are compounds building up in the environment and in the human body. These substances can be found in nonstick coatings in many pans and food wrappers and are contaminating the environment. While PFAS make everyday life more convenient, they are causing health problems including hormone disruption, immunosuppression, and concerns to organ systems. This paper examines the effects of PFAS on the body, how they are accumulating in the environment, exploring elimination options and the ethical and social implications in tackling the issue. It was found that PFAS can weaken the immune response and decrease responsiveness to vaccines, cause hormonal imbalances, fetal development issues, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and decrease fertility. The migration of PFAS explains how it is found essentially everywhere in the environment including soil, groundwater, water masses and the air. Eliminating PFAS include using technology such as sorption and providing alternatives to PFAS to consumers. The convenience of these substances can not outweigh the costs to human health and society, and everyone has the right to know what products or sources are contaminated with PFAS and to identify the alternatives available to prevent adverse health effects.
College and Major available
Nursing BSN
Location
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building
Start Day/Time
4-29-2022 1:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-29-2022 4:00 PM
Prize Categories
Best Multidisciplinary Research or Collaboration, Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Most Creative
The Detrimental Effects of Forever Chemicals
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS are compounds building up in the environment and in the human body. These substances can be found in nonstick coatings in many pans and food wrappers and are contaminating the environment. While PFAS make everyday life more convenient, they are causing health problems including hormone disruption, immunosuppression, and concerns to organ systems. This paper examines the effects of PFAS on the body, how they are accumulating in the environment, exploring elimination options and the ethical and social implications in tackling the issue. It was found that PFAS can weaken the immune response and decrease responsiveness to vaccines, cause hormonal imbalances, fetal development issues, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and decrease fertility. The migration of PFAS explains how it is found essentially everywhere in the environment including soil, groundwater, water masses and the air. Eliminating PFAS include using technology such as sorption and providing alternatives to PFAS to consumers. The convenience of these substances can not outweigh the costs to human health and society, and everyone has the right to know what products or sources are contaminated with PFAS and to identify the alternatives available to prevent adverse health effects.
Students' Information
Kaleigh Vertefeuille: Nursing major, honors student, graduating 2023.