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“Forever chemicals” may have yet another health strike against them.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in thousands of everyday products, including nonstick cookware, food packaging, waterproof clothing and more.
These manmade chemicals, which repel oil, water and stains, have been linked to higher risks of several kinds of cancer, liver and immune system damage and birth defects.
Now, a new study has found “unusually convincing evidence” that maternal exposure to PFAS — found in the blood of nearly every American — can lead to low birth weight, preterm birth and infant mortality.
The University of Arizona research, published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined the impact of pregnant women drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
Researchers analyzed data from New Hampshire women who unknowingly consumed contaminated water from wells located downstream of one of 41 PFAS-contaminated sites to those who lived upstream.
Looking at over 11,000 births, the researchers saw more premature births, babies with low birth weights and triple the rate of infant deaths.
The mothers who consumed water contaminated with PFOA and PFOS — perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate, two of the most dangerous forever chemicals — had a 191% higher rate of infant mortality within the first year of life compared to their peers living upstream.
They also experienced 20% more preterm births, as well as low-weight births at a 43% higher rate.
Socioeconomic status didn’t affect outcomes, as the mothers living downstream were of higher-income households.
“The authors use a clever design that gives unusually convincing evidence of a causal effect, not just a correlation,” Kate Hoffman, an associate research professor in environmental natural sciences at Duke University, told The Washington Post.
While the study data was taken from a small subset of the population, it does support prior evidence of the adverse effects of these chemicals.
Not only do PFAS leak into the soil, water and air, but they also don’t break down easily, meaning they remain in the environment for an unknown amount of time.
Previous research has shown that PFAS exposure before birth can weaken the infant’s immune system, potentially leading to increased allergies and autoimmune disorders.
Numerous studies have also demonstrated a link between early exposure to PFAS and reduced development of cognitive, motor and language skills in infants, as well as behavioral issues in childhood.
There are several ways to check PFAS levels in tap water, including utilizing national databases and at-home testing kits.
For those who are concerned about PFAS in their water, experts recommend installing certified home filters, consistently maintaining these filters or finding alternative water sources.
