Awareness of the perfluorinated aliphatic compounds (PFAS) in the population of youth from Swietokrzyskie province.
Journal Title: Medical Science Pulse - Year 2016, Vol 10, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Socio-economic development causes the pollution of environment with many harmful chemicals. A number of contaminants are characterised by high toxicity, persistence in the environment, and the ability to cumulate in organisms and, moreover, by biomagnification in the food chain. The perfluorinated aliphatic compounds (PFAS), present in each part of the environment, in food and used in production of many everyday objects, are an example of such substances. People are exposed to PFAS by ingestion and inhalation, as well as through the dermal route. These compounds constitute significant health risk factors for the society.Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of the perfluorinated aliphatic compounds (PFAS) in the population of youth from Swietokrzyskie province.Materials and methods: The research was conducted in Swietokrzyskie province. The study population constituted of 366 students from secondary schools, aged between 16 and 20 years old. The research was performed using a questionnaire containing eight multiple-choice questions. The awareness of respondents was analysed based on the answers to questions on the properties of perfluorinated aliphatic compounds, sources of exposure to these substances, possible routes of exposure, health effects resulting from the exposure to these xenobiotics and possible methods of minimising the exposure.Results: The results of the study indicate low awareness young people have of the perfluorinated aliphatic compounds. The young people in Swietokrzyskie province (74.7%; N = 274) do not know if they had ever been exposed to PFAS. 86.4% (317) of respondents are not able to name the basic features of these compounds, and 83.1% (305) are not aware of their use. Most of the students (80.6%; N = 296) do not know the health effects resulting from exposure to PFAS.Conclusions: The awareness of perfluorinated aliphatic compounds (PFAS) in the population of students from secondary schools in Swietokrzyskie province is very poor. Therefore, there is a need to conduct information campaigns addressed to all social groups, especially children and young people of school age.
Authors and Affiliations
Katarzyna Tomczyk, Grzegorz Dziubanek
Keywords
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- EP ID EP82200
- DOI 10.5604/20812021.1208707
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