What are the potential long-term thyroid health effects of PFAS exposure?

PFAS exposure can cause significant long-term disruption to thyroid function, affecting hormone levels and potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction and increased cancer risk over time.

How PFAS affects thyroid function over the long term

A study found that PFAS chemicals can mess with thyroid hormone levels in adults. People with more PFOS in their bodies had higher levels of one hormone (free T4), but lower levels of two others (total T4 and total T3). Other PFAS chemicals, like PFOA and PFHxS, were also linked to lower levels of total T4, which means the body may have less of the hormones it needs.

The disruption of hormones can have serious long-term health consequences. Thyroid hormone imbalance affects your body’s ability to regulate metabolism, which in turn regulates how you use energy. Over time, this can lead to unexplained weight changes, chronic fatigue, and temperature sensitivity.

Cardiovascular health can also be affected by thyroid dysfunction caused by PFAS exposure, including irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It’s also possible for thyroid problems to affect fertility, making it difficult for both men and women to conceive and maintain pregnancies.

An increased risk of developing thyroid cancer is also present.

Seek compensation for PFAS-related thyroid health problems

You may be able to receive compensation if you develop thyroid problems after PFAS exposure. With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys have successfully helped toxic exposure victims. ELG Law can help you evaluate your PFAS-related thyroid case for free.

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