Yesterday, the Telegraph reported a University of Birmingham study found that toxic “forever chemicals”, or Pfas, were able to enter the bloodstream through the skin. Take note of what you put on your skin; this includes make up, shampoos, perfumes and clothing.

Read the article here:
http://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/1740/reader/reader.html?social#!preferred/0/package/1740/pub/1740/page/54/article/NaN

Full article below:
[TOXIC “forever chemicals” can be absorbed through human skin, a study has confirmed for the first time.
It was previously thought that Pfas, perfluoroalkyl substances, which are found in many household products, could not permeate the skin barrier.
But a study of 17 commonly used varieties of Pfas found that most were able to enter the bloodstream through the skin after 36 hours of exposure.
Pfas are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally in the environment, but are valued for their moisture-repellent properties. They have been used for decades in items such as waterproof clothing, non-stick pans and cosmetics.
They have been found in drinking water and soil, and are linked to immune system disruption, impaired liver function and decreased birth weight.
The study by researchers at the University of Birmingham applied samples of each chemical to laboratory grown tissue that mimics human skin.
Of the 17 Pfas tested, the researchers found 15 showed “substantial” absorption into the skin, meaning at least 5 per cent of the dose was absorbed.
It found that the absorption into the bloodstream of perfluoro octanoic acid (Pfo), which is commonly used in food packaging, was 13.5 per cent of the dose, with a further 38 per cent retained within the skin.
Dr Oddný Ragnarsdóttir, lead author of the study, said: “The ability of these chemicals to be absorbed through skin has previously been dismissed because the molecules are ionised.
“The electrical charge that gives them the ability to repel water and stains was thought to make them incapable of crossing the skin membrane.
“Our research shows that this theory does not always hold true and that, in fact, uptake through the skin could be a significant source of exposure to these harmful chemicals.”
The study also found that more modern Pfas, which have shorter carbon chains, may be more easily absorbed,
Prof Stuart Harrad, of the University of Birmingham’s school of geography, earth and environmental sciences and the study’s co-author, said more research is needed to assess the impact of the chemicals after they have permeated the skin barrier.]

Looks like I've entered a gurning competition, but actually I was doing a talk on the Gut Biome to the Women's Institute in Petersfield last Tuesday. "A fun and enlightening evening!" Thanks to all who attended 🙂

First harvest of the year - broad beans 🙂 I planted these little beans in November last year and now they stand 1.5m high - the miracle of life and delicious with my Sunday roast 😋