[«PFAS», pollutants in the spotlight].

Abstract

In November 2023, Wallonia was rocked by the discovery of problematic PFAS contamination of drinking water in the Chièvres region. PFAS («per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances») are compounds produced and used in large quantities by human activities for numerous applications, such as the formulation of fire-fighting foams, which appears to be at the origin of the pollution in Chièvres. The two main PFASs (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)) have been shown to have toxic effects on immunity, cholesterol metabolism, liver function and newborn birth weight. In addition, PFOA is classified as a definite human carcinogen. The Toxicology Department of Liège University Hospital has carried out numerous studies on these compounds and their impact on human health. In addition, we offer to measure them in patients' serum or breast milk, and provide patients and their doctors with an interpretation and follow-up proposal based on the results obtained. Environmental pollution by PFAS and its consequences demonstrate once again how the degradation of our environment and our health are closely linked.