Environmental Chemicals May Thwart Kids' Vaccines
Study Suggests Higher Blood Levels of PFCs May Make Immune System Less Responsive to Vaccines
PFCs & Vaccines: Industry Input continued...
In an emailed statement, Ross of the American Council on Science and Health says the study is "nonsensical."
"It appears to represent this group's attempt to link PFCs to some adverse health effect, " he writes. He notes that no one has found an increased risk of tetanus or diphtheria among even those with high levels of PFCs.
Ross says the study has ''no clinical significance whatsoever."
While funding for the council does include industry monies, Ross says that "less than 3% of the budget" comes from corporations that produce PFC-containing goods.
Lowering PFC Exposure
It's somewhat unclear where the chemicals found in the children’s blood come from, Grandjean says.
For that reason, "any advice and guidance on protection against PFCs are associated with some uncertainty," he writes in a background summary of his work.
Even so, he recommends avoiding:
- Microwave popcorn
- Furniture and carpet treated with stain repellents
- Shoes and clothing treated with stain repellents
- Lubricants for skis and ski boards, unless labels say they are PFC-free
PFCs are also found in common household dust, he says. Frequent vacuuming may help.