Health Outcome

Number of Studies

Participants (N)

Pooled Effect Size

95% Confidence Interval

Heterogeneity (I²)

Quality Assessment

Notes

Thyroid Dysfunction

10

6000

Risk Ratio: 1.4

1.2 - 1.7

60%

High

Association between PFAS exposure and increased risk of thyroid dysfunction. Moderate heterogeneity and high-quality studies indicate a strong association.

Cholesterol Levels

2

4500

Mean Difference: 15 mg/dL

10 - 20 mg/dL

30%

Moderate

Consistent elevation in cholesterol levels in populations with high PFAS exposure, with moderate quality and lower heterogeneity among studies.

Cancer Risks (Testicular, Kidney)

8

2500

Odds Ratio: 1.3 (testicular), 1.5 (kidney)

Varies by cancer type

70% (testicular), 65% (kidney)

Moderate

Elevated risk of certain cancers, particularly testicular and kidney cancer, associated with PFAS exposure, though with moderate quality and notable heterogeneity. Kidney cancer, associated with PFAS exposure, though with moderate quality and notable heterogeneity.

Thyroid Dysfunction

10

6000

Risk Ratio: 1.4

1.2 - 1.7

60%

High

Association between PFAS exposure and increased risk of thyroid dysfunction. Moderate heterogeneity and high-quality studies indicate a strong association.

Cholesterol Levels

2

4500

Mean Difference: 15 mg/dL

10 - 20 mg/dL

30%

Moderate

Consistent elevation in cholesterol levels in populations with high PFAS exposure, with moderate quality and lower heterogeneity among studies.