PCBs and PFAS gave different answers in sweat
Some PCBs appeared in sweat. The common PFAS tested showed little or no excretion through sweat, even with raised blood levels.
Worth knowing: Another analysis of the BUS participant group, not a new group of volunteers.
The short version
Researchers tested the BUS participants for PCBs and perfluorinated compounds, now commonly discussed as part of PFAS. Several PCBs appeared in sweat, although others were poorly excreted. PFHxS, PFOS and PFOA showed little or no excretion into sweat or urine, including in people with raised blood levels. The finding challenges a blanket detox claim. It does not establish what happens to every PFAS, or how repeated sauna changes body levels.
Keep in mind
The study measured several named compounds once. It cannot settle every PFAS or demonstrate long-term PCB removal.
What they found
Four participants had raised serum levels of several common PFAS. Sweat and urine contained minimal or undetectable amounts. Some PCB variants appeared in sweat, while PCBs 153 and 138 were poorly excreted.
What this means for your practice
This study does not support using sweating to clear PFHxS, PFOS or PFOA.
Methods and limitations
What the researchers did
Blood, urine and sweat from 20 adults were analyzed for seven perfluorinated compounds and 35 PCB variants.
How much can this tell us?
The same collection method gave different findings for different chemicals. These results should not be generalized to all pollutants.
What makes it useful
- Tests positive and negative findings together
What limits it
- Small shared sample
- No repeated treatment comparison
Where this study fits
Where this study fits
We score claims, not single studies. This one is part of the evidence for:
Sweat can carry some plastic-related chemicals and flame retardants. Early signal
Very low certaintySize not reportedBody signals
Sweating efficiently removes PFHxS, PFOS and PFOA. Not supported
Very low certaintyNo effect foundBody signals
From the same participant group as 3 other articles in The Study, so we count them as one group of people.
Read the original
Genuis SJ et al. Biomonitoring and Elimination of Perfluorinated Compounds and Polychlorinated Biphenyls through Perspiration: Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study. ISRN Toxicology. 2013.
DOI 10.1155/2013/483832 · PubMed 24083032