In this magazine episode, we talk about the forever chemicals in our blood, how to protect patients from cosmetic procedures gone wrong, and the long-standing dearth of LGBTQ+ data.
Per- and poly-fluoro-alkyl substances, also called PFAS or "forever chemicals", have become ubiquitous in our environment over the last 70 years. As the UK government launches a new epidemiological study into human exposure, we discuss the persistent biological effects of PFAS and what this means for long-term health outcomes.
Also this week, we turn our attention to the up-and-coming new restrictions in England targeting non-surgical cosmetic procedures. But will these proposed changes actually protect the public from unscrupulous providers? We discuss the problems with regulation in a profit driven market, and what it means for patient safety.
Finally, while health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people are known to be worse than the general population, the extent of that gap, and what’s causing it, are still difficult to study. Basic data collection is shockingly poor. We hear why that is, and what’s needed to fill the gap.
Guest List:
Tony Fletcher – Honorary associate professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Alexandra Mullock – Senior lecturer in medical law at the University of Manchester
Joel Bates – Research assistant at King’s College London
Reading:
PFAS: the persistent problem of forever chemicals and health
Delayed regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures threatens patient safety
The NHS doesn’t routinely collect data on LGBTQ+ health, even though meaningful improvements can’t happen without it
