This study by Corsini et al, published in the journal Toxicology Letters, suggests that PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) may be immunotoxic, meaning toxic to the immune system.

From the study:  “Reported effects of PFCs include decreased spleen and thymus weights and cellularity, reduced antibody production, reduced survival after influenza infection, and altered cytokine production. Immunosuppression is a critical effect associated with exposure to PFCs, as it has been reported to reduce antibody responses to vaccination in children.

“The body of evidence concerning the ability of PFCs to modulate the immune system has grown in the last decade, and several studies have reported serum concentrations in rodents at immune effect levels within the range of human and wildlife exposures, suggesting risk of immunosuppression in humans, especially in children following pre-natal exposure, and in wildlife. Dysregulation(s) of immune system homeostasis can lead to adverse changes in immune functions, increasing the susceptibility to infections and cancer, as well as favoring the development of autoimmune diseases.”