High prenatal exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water has been linked to weakened immunity and increased childhood infections, a new study finds.
Pamela Ferdinand reports for U.S. Right to Know.
In short:
- Children with very high prenatal PFAS exposure had a 28% increased risk of ear infections, as well as potential risks for eye and urinary tract infections.
- Younger children may be particularly vulnerable, while older children showed different responses to PFAS exposure levels.
- PFAS-contaminated drinking water, such as in Ronneby, Sweden, can expose residents to unsafe chemical levels, raising long-term health concerns.
Key quote:
“Although the explicit mechanisms for such an effect are unknown, the fact that we observed suggestive associations with several types of common infections suggests an impact of exposure on general immunity.”
— Matilda Ebel, Lund University researcher
Why this matters:
PFAS chemicals, which persist in the environment and human bodies, are widely used in consumer goods and industrial processes. Once released, PFAS chemicals spread widely, contaminating soil, air and water. They resist breaking down under natural conditions, leading to bioaccumulation in humans and wildlife. For communities near industrial sites or airports where PFAS use is common, the risk of exposure is particularly high. Even as awareness grows, regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace with the scope of the problem, leaving many wondering how to address the long-term consequences of these persistent pollutants.
Related EHN coverage: PFAS and phthalate chemical exposure early in life may hamper kids’ lungs
