Sukhram Shiryn D, Kim Ji, Musovic Sabrina, Anidugbe Ayotunde, Corte Emiliano, Ahsan Tasneem, Rofail Selvia, Mesquita Nicolli, Padilla Miguel
Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, New York, NY 10314, USA.
Department of Science and Mathematics, Guttman Community College, New York, NY 10018, USA.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025 Jul 15;22(7):1116. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22071116.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), commonly known as "forever chemicals", are synthetic compounds with highly stable carbon-fluorine bonds, making them resistant to environmental degradation. These chemicals accumulate in ecosystems and water supplies, posing significant risks to human health, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and neurological disorders. However, the mental health impacts of PFAS exposure remain underexplored, particularly in marginalized communities. This review examines the emerging evidence linking PFAS exposure to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, with a focus on communities of color who face heightened vulnerability due to environmental and social health disparities. The review highlights the persistence of PFASs in the environment, common exposure pathways, and the disproportionate effects on populations living near contaminated sites. Despite some regulatory progress, U.S. regulations on PFASs are limited, especially compared to international standards. The review calls for stronger policy frameworks and emphasizes the need for environmental justice, health equity, and public awareness. By connecting environmental health, social justice, and mental well-being, the review aims to guide future research and policy reforms to mitigate the mental health consequences of PFAS exposure in vulnerable populations.
全氟和多氟烷基物质（PFASs），通常被称为“永久化学物质”，是具有高度稳定碳氟键的合成化合物，这使得它们能够抵抗环境降解。这些化学物质在生态系统和水源中积累，对人类健康构成重大风险，包括癌症、免疫系统功能障碍和神经紊乱。然而，PFAS暴露对心理健康的影响仍未得到充分研究，尤其是在边缘化社区。本综述探讨了将PFAS暴露与焦虑、抑郁和认知衰退等心理健康问题联系起来的新证据，重点关注因环境和社会健康差异而面临更高脆弱性的有色人种社区。该综述强调了PFASs在环境中的持久性、常见的暴露途径，以及对生活在受污染场地附近人群的不成比例影响。尽管在监管方面取得了一些进展，但美国对PFASs的监管有限，尤其是与国际标准相比。该综述呼吁建立更强有力的政策框架，并强调环境正义、健康公平和公众意识的必要性。通过将环境卫生、社会正义和心理健康联系起来，该综述旨在指导未来的研究和政策改革，以减轻PFAS暴露对脆弱人群心理健康的影响。
