Uncontrolled population growth, rapid urbanisation, the rise in community living standards and poor planning have accelerated the rate of generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Sri Lanka. Waste is ending up in open dump sites and, subsequently, water sources.
In this article, we look at the sources and pathways of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) entering our bodies, the bioaccessibility–bioavailability–bioactivity continuum of EDCs, and how they may be associated with human allergies.
Our exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a major health concern due to their widespread occurrence and adverse health effects. Mounting evidence indicates that PFAS pollution, even at low levels, affects human development and reproductive functioning.
A monitoring tool that can prescreen aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for the contaminants perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) would be incredibly useful to industry. Ideally, the tool could be used onsite or in nonspecialised laboratories, and have high sensitivity, specificity and selectivity.
Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are stable chemical compounds with multiple industrial uses, including as components in firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, food packaging, insecticides, and waterproof and fire-resistant fabrics. However, the stability that makes PFAS so useful also prevents them from breaking down readily.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are toxic synthetic chemicals known to have potential health and environmental impacts. PFAS are highly resistant to degradation and are very mobile. They are also ubiquitous because of their use in common industrial products such as firefighting foams and nonstick coatings.
