Teens and young adults exposed to higher levels of PFAS had lower bone mineral density (BMD), according to a new study in Environmental Research.
In short:
- PFAS were linked to lower BMD in both study groups: Hispanic teens and mixed-ethnicity young adults. Hispanic populations have higher rates of bone disease (like osteoporosis) than people of other ethnicities.
- The changes in BMD were similar to those caused by other toxics that are known to impair bone health, like lead.
- This is the first long-term study to measure the impacts of exposure during adolescence and young adulthood, key periods of development that predict life-long bone health.
Key quote:
“These results support the hypothesis that PFAS impair bone development and bone mineral density during adolescence, and these associations persist into adulthood.”
Why this matters:
PFAS are used in everyday products, and exposure to them is widespread - analyses from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey have found that PFAS are detectable in the blood of 97% - 100% of US individuals. It’s critical that regulators recognize the specific health impacts of PFAS in order to develop policies and interventions that effectively address the harm caused by these chemicals.
Related EHN coverage:
- Opinion: Why PFAS have no place in everyday products, including paint
- How to avoid the next PFAS crisis
Beglarian, Emily et al. for Environmental Research. Dec. 6, 2023
