Study: PFCs may inhibit vaccines

Syracuse (WSYR-TV)- PFCs have prompted health concerns before, and the latest research has added a new one.

PFCs are manmade chemicals found in everything from cookware and pizza boxes to plastic bags and stain-resistant carpet.

The chemicals find their way into the food chain and into our bodies. They can also be passed  to children in breast milk.

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association associates elevated PFC levels with weakening the effectiveness of routine childhood vaccines.

Blood samples from expectant mothers were tested for PFC levels, which were checked against their children’s immune function at age 5. Mothers with elevated PFC levels had children whose diphtheria vaccinations were 39 percent less effective.

The children were also tested for PFC levels in their blood. Those with higher levels had a higher risk of a deficient immune response after tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations.