• A past study conducted by PubMed found that PFAS were linked to lower testosterone levels and lowered women’s chances of getting pregnant.
• The effects of PFAs in eyeball exposure have, however, not yet been established as no studies showing the chemical absorption from the eye have been done.
A high number of contact lenses have been found to contain flouropolymers compounds, a group of chemicals that form PFAS.
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.
A new research commissioned by the Mamavatian in partnership with the Environmental Health News and conducted at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified lab says some contact lenses have been found to contain the chemicals.
"Fluoropolymers are extremely common forms of PFAS that are contributing to the organic fluorine found in contact lenses," Associate Professor at the Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS at North Carolina State University Scott Belcher said.
This, he said, is because they contain properties that the eye wants.
The Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) "forever chemicals" are a large class of thousands of synthetic chemicals which are toxic, resulting in adverse effects to human health and environment.
Many PFAS are a concern because they do not break down in the environment.
"Many of these chemicals can last for years or decades in our bodies. Therefore, it’s imperative to reduce the amount of PFAS you are exposed to from food, water and personal care products such as eye contacts," Mamavatian said.
The test conducted in 18 types of soft eye lenses found 100 per cent indication of the PFAS, which was marked by the presence of organic fluorine.
It found the chemical at levels between 105 parts per million (ppm) to 20,700ppm.
A past study conducted by PubMed found that PFAS were linked to lower testosterone levels, similar to clinical observations in infertile men.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quoted a scientific research that shows that the chemicals lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant.
The effects of PFAs in eyeball exposure have, however, not yet been established as no studies showing the chemical absorption from the eye have been done.
"...but we do know that PFAS exposure is possible based on some studies looking at dermal exposure in animals," Mamatavian said.
Chief scientist for Environmental Health Sciences, Pete Myers, said it was absurd to say the levels of fluorine in contact lenses was safe.
"The presumption that these organic fluorine levels measured in contact lenses are safe is laughable," he said.
His remarks were in relation to directives issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last summer for four common PFAS, ranging from 0.004 parts per trillion (ppt) to 2000 ppt.
"EPA considers exposure beneath these thresholds to be safe for drinking water. While comparing drinking levels in water to concentrations in contact lenses is like comparing apples to oranges, it’s worth noting that all of the contact lenses tested exceeded 100 ppm, which is equivalent to 100,000,000 ppt, or 50,000 times higher than the highest level deemed safe in drinking water by the EPA," Myers added.
The American Chemical Society said manufacturers use PFAs including a combination of poly (methylmethacrylate), silicones and fluoropolymers to make the materials softer.
These materials allow oxygen to pass through the lens to the eye.
Based on the levels of organic fluorine found in contact lenses, it is believed that the companies are adding chemicals because they provide the special function.
Mamavatian tested for total fluorine using the Determination of Total Fluorine by Oxygen Flask Combustion and Ion-Selective Electrode.
They were conducted on contact lenses made by Acuvue, Alcon and Coopervision.
It recommended the use of Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus Brand Contact Lenses with UV Blocking, Alon Air OPTIX plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism and Alcon AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde with Smartshield Technology.