Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or 'Forever Chemicals') are an environmental and food-borne burden worldwide. PFAS is a significant environmental and food contaminant. Of the 100’s of PFAS, there are two that have been studied in greater detail, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), with current evidence linking PFOA as a possible endocrine disruptor and carcinogen. On the other hand, PFOS has been linked to reproductive dysfunction, affecting fertility. One question is whether these agents are cancer initiators or promotors. KRAS-related mutations have been associated with multiple forms of cancer. Linking KRAS-related mutations with exposure to PFAS as carcinogenic suggests that the pre-existing mutation may predispose individuals to increased cancer risk. The NCI has classified these agents as potential carcinogens. Current evidence has established an increased risk for cancer of the testes, kidneys, and thyroid with elevated PFOA exposure. The IARC has listed PFOA as a Group 1 ‘Carcinogenic’ agent. The Group 1 categorization is based on “sufficient evidence for cancer in experimental animals and strong mechanistic evidence (for epigenetic alterations and immunosuppression) in exposed humans.” The IARC has listed PFOS as a Group 2B, or “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The Group 2B categorization is based on “strong mechanistic evidence across test systems, including in exposed humans (for epigenetic alterations and immunosuppression, as well as several other key characteristics of carcinogens)." The intent of this Collection, "Impact of “Forever Chemicals” on Cancer Development," is to gather data from different areas to establish a foundation for the role of PFAS in the development of cancer. This evidence would include in vivo, in vitro, and molecular studies of PFAS agents alone and in combination with other environmental pollutants or genetic mutations.

Keywords: PFOA, PFOS, Apoptosis, PFAS, Per-Polyfluoroalkyl substances, carcinogen, metastasis, genetic mutations, cellular metabolism

The world is increasingly affected by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are commonly found in various products such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs, as well as agrochemicals like azoles and atrazine used in agriculture, veterinary drugs, and other EDCs. Understanding their impact on environmental health is urgently needed, as humans and animals can be exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis. Through a dynamic blend of computational and experimental approaches, unravelling the complexities surrounding these hazardous chemicals, predicting their toxicity, and deciphering their complex interactions with targets in humans and animals for environmental well-being are crucial. Researchers are employing advanced computational approaches to predict the potential harm of these chemicals, paving the way for proactive intervention. Additionally, researchers are carefully validating computational findings, uncovering the mechanisms by which EDCs disrupt environmental health at the molecular level. The goal is beyond mere understanding; there is a mission to create ways to prevent and reduce the harm caused by these chemicals. Therefore, in this specialized Collection, we welcome research and review articles addressing EDCs, along with their effects on various organisms, including humans and the environment. This encompasses computational and experimental research to decode the complexities of EDCs and develop strategies and solutions for their mitigation.

Keywords: Endocrine disruptor, Risk Assessment, Genomics, Toxicology, Bioinformatics, Computational Toxicology, Molecular Docking, Toxicity Prediction, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Environmental health