UofL research shows combined exposure to alcohol and “forever chemicals” increases liver damage
Frederick Ekuban and Matthew Cave have uncovered evidence that perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a common “forever chemical,” can potentially worsen alcohol-related liver disease. Their study, published in Toxicological Sciences, found that combined exposure to PFOS and alcohol leads to greater fat buildup and liver injury than either alone. Ekuban, the study’s first author, said PFOS may help explain why some heavy drinkers develop severe liver disease while others do not. Cave stressed the importance of understanding these combined risks given the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment.