University of Southern Denmark
Tina Kold
About PFAS and toxic substances in relation to resource consumption.
I have spent many years researching the health consequences of exposure to PFAS. Among other things, I have followed a cohort of children from birth to the present day. It’s now been more than 12 years.
We are seeing that children’s IQ drops by 1-2 points when they are exposed to PFAS in the foetal stage. It also affects their immune system in a variety of ways, for example by reducing their response to common childhood vaccines. Over several generations and with increasing exposure, this can become a serious societal problem.
Unfortunately, the chemicals are not only a health issue, but also a sustainability challenge: As global consumption increases, our exposure to toxic substances typically increases as well – and the health risks escalate.
The research results are unmistakable. We need political action. Both in terms of reducing global consumption and disseminating solutions that can ensure the same properties in alternative products. And it is important to try to make global agreements, since much of the production takes place outside Denmark and the EU.
”By reducing our consumption we also reduce our exposure to toxins and the pressure on the planet's resources.
Meet the researcher
Tina Kold is professor at the Department of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark.