High levels of toxic chemicals in pets living near US manufacturing plant

PFAS are a class of about 15,000 compounds typically used to make products across dozens of industries resistant to water, stains and heat. Photograph: Jake May/AP

Pets living near a PFAS manufacturing plant in Fayetteville, North Carolina have concerning levels of the toxic chemicals in their blood, and show evidence of health effects linked to exposure, new research finds.

PFAS were present in all 32 dog and 31 horse blood samples checked, and the findings provide evidence that human and animal exposures to the chemicals impacts their bodies, said Scott Belcher, a North Carolina State University researcher and co-author.