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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Environment
Carey Gillam

‘Forever chemical’ exposure linked to higher cancer odds in women

Female scientist analyzing medical sample in laboratory
An estimated 97% of Americans have PFAS in their blood, and 45% of US drinking water is contaminated with the chemicals. Photograph: Morsa Images/Getty Images

Women exposed to several widely used chemicals appear to face increased odds for ovarian and other types of cancers, including a doubling of odds for melanoma, according to new research funded by the US government.

Using data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a team of academic researchers found evidence that women diagnosed with some “hormonally driven” cancers had exposures to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in thousands of household and industrial products, including in stain- and heat-resistant items.

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