WVU in the News: New Report Links PFAS Exposure to Liver Damage

You might have never heard of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but it is now a global epidemic, thought to affect roughly 25 percent of the world’s population—including approximately 89 million Americans. It’s a matter of grave concern because untreated, the condition can progress to serious liver injury, including cirrhosis and liver failure.

Now a new research review suggests that one contributing factor to rising rates could be PFAS, the ubiquitous chemicals used in nonstick pans, waterproof gear, firefighting foam, takeout containers, and more.

Alan Ducatman, MD, professor emeritus in the School of Public Health, whose invited perspective was recently published in Environmental Health Perspectives, weighs in on the Consumer Reports story. 

Read the story from Consumer Reports. 

Read Dr. Ducatman's article on Environmental Health Perspectives.