California researchers have found alarming evidence of the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in the blood of pregnant people. An astonishing 97 percent of the samples from 302 participants had PFOS in their blood, the notorious compound formerly used in Scotchgard. It has been linked to serious health problems, including pregnancy complications and birth defects.
The researchers detected and measured nine chemicals, including PFAS, in participants’ blood and umbilical cord blood. Among the most prevalent were PFHxS and PFOS, both detected in at least 97 percent of blood samples.
This new research sheds light on the association between chemical exposure during pregnancy and various complications, including gestational diabetes, maternal hypertensive disorders and other health issues. These findings are vital to understanding the potential risks posed by prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals like PFAS.
A 2020 study highlighted the impact of PFAS exposure during pregnancy, raising concerns about the rates of maternal disease as well as long-term consequences for both the developing fetus and the child’s future health.
Specifically, exposure to PFAS has been associated with increased rates of maternal and child health harms, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, childhood obesity, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, birth defects and developmental delays.
In 2022, EWG published an analysis of PFAS in cord blood and the threat posed to the developing fetus. EWG scientists reviewed 40 studies examining the presence and health effects of PFAS in cord blood. All 40 reported the detection of a wide range of PFAS in the blood. Sixteen studies found associations between PFAS exposure in cord blood and changes in vital body molecules called cord blood lipids, as well as harm to fetal and childhood development.
At least 14 studies found an association between PFAS in cord blood and detection of PFAS exposure later in childhood, increased risk of health impacts in adulthood, or a combination of the two. Some health problems caused by PFAS in umbilical cord blood include higher total cholesterol and triglycerides in babies and changes in their bodies’ bile acids, which could lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems later in life.
PFAS in cord blood are also associated with disruptions in newborns in relation to thyroid function, microbial cells in the colon and growth.
Research shows high levels of PFAS in children have been associated with reduced vaccine antibody response. Those data helped inform the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent decision to dramatically tighten its lifetime health advisories for PFOA and PFOS. But unless more steps are taken to tackle the problem of PFAS pollution, children will remain at risk.
Because PFAS persist in human bodies, effects on cognitive, lung and reproductive functions, and changes in weight, can continue through childhood and adulthood.
The cumulative effect of environmental exposures experienced by a person over their lifetime – including exposures present in the air, in water and in food – urgently requires further study.
Pregnant people and the developing fetus are especially susceptible to the health impacts of chemicals like PFAS because of their unique physiology and developmental stage. Much more is needed to reduce exposure to PFAS among the general population, especially in people trying to become pregnant and children.
Drinking water is an important source of PFAS exposure in many communities. In 2020, EWG scientists estimated that over 200 million Americans could have PFAS in their drinking water. PFAS have been found in the drinking water and groundwater of more than 2,800 communities. But the true scale of contamination is likely much greater.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment. EWG estimates there could be nearly 30,000 industrial polluters releasing PFAS into the environment, including into sources of drinking water. Restricting industrial discharges will lower the amount of PFAS drinking water utilities must treat.
Polluters must clean up their own mess and stop PFAS contamination at the source. Congress is considering new loopholes and exemptions for PFAS polluters that will let them off the hook for PFAS contamination they may have contributed to. It’s time for Congress to hold the polluting entities responsible and for the EPA to regulate industrial discharges of these chemicals into the air and water.
In the quest to safeguard maternal and child health, it is essential to embrace a comprehensive approach, studying the long-term health effects of PFAS exposures. By understanding the relationship between environmental exposure to chemicals and biological responses, we can develop new prevention strategies to ensure the well-being of future generations.
In the meantime, to reduce your exposure to PFAS:
- Search EWG’s tap water database – type in your ZIP code to learn about the concerning chemicals in your tap water, including PFAS.
- Or check out the interactive PFAS map to see whether your drinking water contains forever chemicals and where in the U.S. they have been detected.
- If you have a private water well and suspect PFAS contamination, consult your state health department about getting your well tested.
- Filter your water. EWG found four water filters that reduce the detected PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent.
- If you buy a home water filter, remember to routinely replace the filter. The filtration system will only be effective if used as instructed.
The best way to filter PFAS from your water is an in-home reverse osmosis filter under your sink or at your tap, but the cost of this kind of system puts them out of reach for some. Our study shows many countertop pitchers can also effectively reduce PFAS concentrations.
