2024
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Health Impacts of PFAS Exposure During Pregnancy
By Bridget Efua Martin, MD, MPH candidate
PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down easily and can remain in the environment and our bodies for a long time. Over the past decade, the harmful effects of PFAS on human health have become increasingly clear with pregnant women and children especially at risk.
In this blog, we present an overview of the latest science on health outcomes for mothers and children linked to PFAS exposure during pregnancy.
How do PFAS affect pregnant women?
Researchers recently found that PFAS exposure early in pregnancy could be linked to weight changes and other health effects later in life.
In this 2024 study, scientists tested the blood of pregnant women collected between 1999 and 2002 and then tracked their weight 18 years later. In addition to the link between PFAS exposure and weight gain, they also found that exposed individuals were at a higher risk of health problems such as heart disease.
Effects of PFAS exposure on babies
Research has also shown that there might be an association between PFAS in the blood of pregnant individuals and the health of their babies. Even at low levels of exposure, PFAS were found to increase cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the waist size during childhood of the children of study participants. Higher PFAS exposure was associated with a rise in systolic blood pressure and an increase in inflammatory markers. For more details on this paper, see this webinar CHE hosted in February 2022.
Another recent study showed that exposure to PFAS while in the womb could cause long-term health challenges among infants, including lower birth weight and increased risk of obesity and heart problems later in life. This study also found that mothers who took folate supplements during pregnancy had lower rates of low birth weight babies, despite PFAS exposure. This suggests that some nutrients might help protect against the harmful effects of these chemicals, but more research is needed to fully understand this connection.
Another concern is the potential transfer of PFAS through breast milk. PFAS can migrate from a mother’s blood to her breast milk. Despite this concern, experts still recommend breastfeeding, as breast milk is known to protect babies from infections and support healthy development.
Reducing exposure to PFAS during pregnancy
PFAS are found in many everyday items, which is why everyone is at risk of exposure, including pregnant women. Common sources include nonstick cookware, cosmetics, fire-fighting foams, food packaging, water-resistant clothing, and even baby toys. These chemicals are widely used to make products more durable and resistant to stains, heat, or water.
Although PFAS are difficult to avoid entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure, especially during pregnancy:
- Use PFAS-free cookware: Switch to stainless steel or cast iron instead of nonstick pans.
- Avoid fast food packaging: Many wrappers and containers in fast food restaurants contain PFAS, so cooking at home can help reduce exposure.
- Drink filtered water: If your local water supply is contaminated, use a water filter that’s certified to remove PFAS.
- Skip stain-resistant products: Avoid furniture, carpets, and clothing that are labeled as stain-resistant, as they may contain PFAS. Look for PFAS-free alternatives instead.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these simple steps can help minimize your contact with PFAS, reducing potential health risks for both you and your baby.
For more information on how to reduce your PFAS exposure, see EPA’s website or resources from Green Science Policy Institute.
Protecting your health and future generations
We know PFAS can have significant effects on pregnant women and their babies, potentially leading to long-term health issues. Reducing the overall use of PFAS should be an urgent priority for both businesses and policymakers.
In 2015 the Green Science Policy Institute led a consensus statement calling for a significant reduction of PFAS production, signed by 200 scientists from more than 40 countries. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the American Public Health Association have made statements about reducing the use of PFAS in products. EPA recently established several criteria and standards that help regulate and monitor PFAS in drinking water and everyday items.
Researchers will continue to explore the full impact of PFAS on maternal and child health. Until then, staying cautious and following the guidance of health experts will help safeguard your health and the well-being of future generations. You can find more information on PFAS including recordings of past webinars here.
