Pregnant mothers’ exposure to PFAS chemicals is associated with structural alterations in the developing brain matter of their children, according to a recent study published in Environmental Research.
In short:
- Maternal exposure to PFAS was linked to changes in 5 major white matter structures in children’s brains.
- These included alterations to a structure known as the corpus callosum, which is critical for communication between the two sides of the brain.
- The researchers also found that the types of changes that occurred varied depending on the child’s sex.
Key quote:
“To protect the vulnerable developing brains of children, there is an urgent need for researchers and policy makers to work together to… examine the associations between multiple environmental chemical exposures and developmental alterations.”
Why this matters:
PFAS, which are used in many everyday products, are associated with severe health effects including developmental issues in babies and children. In addition to being linked with ADHD and lower IQ, PFAS have been shown to cross both the placenta and the blood-brain barrier, accumulating in brain tissues. The authors of this study emphasize the need to recognize the specific health impacts of PFAS in order to develop policies and interventions that effectively address the harm caused by these chemicals, especially in vulnerable populations like mothers and their newborns.
Related EHN coverage:
- PFAS levels increase throughout pregnancy, study finds
- PFAS can enter and accumulate in the brain, study confirms
- PFAS may reduce the nutritional quality of breast milk
More resources:
- Brown University: Using personal care products during and after pregnancy can increase exposure to toxic chemicals
- Collaborative for Health and Environment: Health Impacts of PFAS Exposure During Pregnancy
England-Mason, Gillian et al. for Environmental Research vol. 267. Feb. 15, 2025
