the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, new research published in Environment International has proven for the first time that a wide range of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances)—chemicals known for their persistence in the environment—can penetrate the skin barrier and reach the bloodstream.
PFAS are commonly used in various industries and consumer products, including waterproof clothing, school uniforms, and personal care items, due to their water and stain repellent properties. Although some PFAS have been banned by government regulations, others remain in widespread use, with their toxic effects not yet fully understood.
Previously, it was believed that PFAS could only enter the body through inhalation or ingestion via food and drinking water. These chemicals have been linked to adverse health effects such as a lowered immune response to vaccination, impaired liver function, and decreased birth weight.
However, recent studies have shown correlations between the use of personal care products and PFAS concentrations in human blood and breast milk, suggesting that skin absorption could be a significant route of exposure. The new study, the most comprehensive assessment to date, confirms that most PFAS can indeed enter the body through the skin.
Dr. Oddný Ragnarsdóttir, the lead author of the study conducted during her PhD at the University of Birmingham, explained: “The ability of these chemicals to be absorbed through skin has previously been dismissed because the molecules are ionized. The electrical charge that gives them the ability to repel water and stains was thought to also 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 provides new insights into the significance of the dermal route as a pathway of exposure to a wide range of PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
The researchers investigated 17 different PFAS compounds, focusing on those most widely used and studied for their toxic effects. These compounds are also regulated by the EU’s Drinking Water Directive. Using 3D human skin equivalent models—multilayered laboratory-grown tissues mimicking normal human skin—the team applied samples of each chemical to measure absorption levels.
The results showed that 15 of the 17 PFAS tested demonstrated substantial dermal absorption, with at least 5% of the exposure dose being absorbed. For the most regulated PFAS, perfluoro octanoic acid (PFOA), 13.5% of the applied dose was absorbed into the bloodstream, and 38% was retained within the skin for potential longer-term uptake.
The study found a correlation between the length of the carbon chain in PFAS molecules and their absorption rates. Longer carbon chains showed lower absorption levels, while shorter chains, which are increasingly used as replacements, were more easily absorbed. For example, perfluoro pentanoic acid was absorbed at four times the rate of PFOA, at 59%.
Dr. Mohamed Abdallah, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding the dermal route as a significant pathway of exposure to various PFAS. He noted, “Given the large number of existing PFAS, it is important that future studies aim to assess the risk of broad ranges of these toxic chemicals, rather than focusing on one chemical at a time.”
Professor Stuart Harrad, another co-author from the University of Birmingham’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, added: “This study helps us to understand how important exposure to these chemicals via the skin might be and also which chemical structures might be most easily absorbed. This is important because we see a shift in industry towards chemicals with shorter chain lengths because these are believed to be less toxic—however, the trade-off might be that we absorb more of them, so we need to know more about the risks involved.”
This groundbreaking research underscores the need for further studies to evaluate the risks associated with PFAS exposure and to develop more effective regulations to protect public health.
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I think it’s so cool that Ridgewood Water continues to poison us with PFAS and charges us a premium to do so.
Ridgewood Water didn’t put the contaminant into the environment so stop blaming them for its presence. Blame the responsible parties, not the party trying to remediate the damage. RW is ahead of other water companies in addressing decontamination both in obtaining grant money and in building remedial infrastructure. SMH that people want to blame RW without looking at where other water suppliers are and what they have to offer.
Don’t worry, Keith Kazmark has an in with NJDEP. He has plenty of time on his hands to hang poolside with those people and chat about PFAS and contaminated soil (Schedler, Habernickel, Town Garage). It is all under control. Between Calbi and the mustache man, Chris Rutishauser and his little sidekick jovan Mehandzic, you can be sure you are in good hands. Residents should all be heavily invested in good life insurance policies right about now.
But the village has been talking about trying to put large artificial turf field down next to well water over at Schedler, which will put PFAS into the water and into the environment. It is gross negligence.
Vagianos (aka Paulie PFAS) has stated in public meetings that you shouldn’t worry because PFAS is everywhere and he is probably trying to ensure that if it isn’t already everywhere, he will make sure it is. He’s got you covered (in PFAS).
And let’s see what happens with the dirt pile at the west saddle river rd park. ? Time will tell.
Supposedly there is an investigator Working on this. The only reason behind this is because the village is not doing their part. They are not looking out for the safety of their employees , past or present.
I smell a lawsuit on the horizon. Is this why he is not opening an official investigation into what the Village engineers were up to? Not just Chris R but Jovan M too and possibly others. Dump toxic soil and then RUN!
#CallingRidgewoodVMkeithkazmark