Potera C, 2012 Perfluorinated Compounds May Lower Vaccine Protection in Children. Environ Health Perspect 120(4): doi:10.1289/ehp.120-a150a
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), commonly found in nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain-repellant clothing and furniture, may lower the potency of childhood immunizations, according to a new study of residents in the Faroe Islands. Children with high blood levels of PFCs had lower antibody levels for diphtheria and tetanus than children with lower PFC levels. In some cases the antibody loads were likely too low to protect children against these infections.1
What are perfluorinated compounds?
Perfluorinated compounds, or PFCs, are water- and grease-resistant industrial chemicals used in coatings for paper plates, food packaging, rainwear, upholstery, nonstick pans, microwave popcorn bags, and lubricants for skis and snowboards.9,10,11 Two of the better known PFCs are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). People can ingest PFCs in food and water and inhale them in dust, although it is unknown which route(s) contribute the most to exposure.12 To limit exposure, Grandjean recommends avoiding microwave popcorn, stain repellents for furniture and carpets, and clothing and household items treated with PFCs; such items are often labeled ?stain-resistant,? ?nonstick,? or ?stick-resistant.?...
