Knowledge | PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” may quietly affect the health of pregnant women and children: warning signs from European and US research
Knowledge | PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” may quietly affect the health of pregnant women and children: warning signs from European and US research
During pregnancy, Sara Blixt, like many expectant mothers, avoided the tuna she craved because she worried its mercury could affect her unborn baby. She tried to do the right things, including breastfeeding and choosing safer foods.
Three years later, she was shocked to learn that she and other residents of the Swedish town of Ronneby had unusually high PFAS levels in their blood. The local tap water had been contaminated by firefighting foam used over many years, and her two children were likely exposed repeatedly through the placenta, breast milk, and water used to prepare formula.
“I did everything I could to protect them, but I did not realize the real threat was hidden in the water I used every day.” — Sara Blixt
What are PFAS, and why can they affect mothers and children?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made compounds often called “forever chemicals” because they barely break down in the environment.
They are widely found in:
Nonstick cookware
Waterproof clothing and fire-resistant fabrics
Takeout food packaging and microwave popcorn bags
Some cosmetics, especially liquid foundation
People can be exposed through drinking water, food, and skin absorption. Research indicates that these substances take at least 3–5 years to decrease by half in the body, and PFAS can be detected in nearly everyone.
During pregnancy, the fetus is especially vulnerable
Dr. Tracey Woodruff, an environmental reproductive health expert at the University of California, San Francisco, says pregnancy is a period of particularly serious PFAS exposure.
Reasons include:
The placenta transfers nutrients and oxygen to the fetus but can also allow some similarly structured harmful substances through. Because PFAS resemble fatty acids, they cross the placenta more readily.
Late in pregnancy, PFAS may even accumulate in the placenta and leave the body only when the placenta is delivered.
Studies have found that, depending on the type of PFAS, fetal blood levels may reach 30%–80% of maternal levels.
Dr. Megan Romano, a researcher in Denmark, explained: “The placenta is not a toxic barrier; it is more like a sieve.”
Potential PFAS effects go beyond low birth weight
Lower birth weight:
PFOA, a common PFAS, has been linked to birth-weight reductions of up to 250 grams. These smaller infants may undergo rapid catch-up growth and be more likely to develop childhood obesity.
Language disorders and brain development:
Follow-up research on children in Ronneby, Sweden, linked prenatal PFAS exposure with developmental language disorder (DLD), including limited vocabulary, difficulty understanding, and poor attention.
Higher childhood cancer risk:
A 2024 Finnish study reported a significant association between certain PFAS and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood leukemia.
Weaker immune system:
A 2025 study found that infants exposed to PFAS had weaker immune responses to vaccines and were more susceptible to viral infections.
Maternal effects:
PFAS exposure during pregnancy has been associated with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, both major causes of maternal death worldwide.
Breastfeeding also requires awareness, but PFAS is not a reason to stop
PFAS can pass to infants through breast milk. In a Norwegian study, infant PFAS levels rose 3%–5% for each month of breastfeeding. However, breast milk also supports immunity, the gut microbiome, and brain development.
Dr. Romano said: “Do not stop breastfeeding because of PFAS. Although breast milk contains PFAS, its benefits may offset some of the harm.”
How can PFAS exposure be reduced?
Avoid nonstick coatings, fluorinated food wrap, and microwave popcorn bags
Choose uncoated stainless-steel, glass, or cast-iron cookware
Eat less meat and fish and more fruit and vegetables
Check waterproof clothing and cosmetics such as foundation for PFAS ingredients
Do not renovate a nursery yourself; avoid exposure to paint, carpeting, and wallpaper
If you are concerned about living in a high-exposure area, consult US and European water-contamination maps or ask a doctor about PFAS blood testing, which may be self-funded and difficult to access in some countries.
Could PFAS removal be possible? A cholesterol-lowering drug may offer a breakthrough
An older drug called cholestyramine is being studied to help the body recognize and eliminate PFAS. Preliminary trials suggest it may reduce body PFAS levels by 15%–60%.
Dr. Christel Nielsen, an epidemiologist at Lund University in Sweden, said: “This drug warrants further study, especially for highly exposed women planning pregnancy, but widespread use will take time.”
Most importantly, do not blame yourself
Dr. Woodruff emphasized: “The root of this problem is the chemical manufacturing industry, not mothers.”
She called on governments to regulate PFAS strictly as an entire class as soon as possible; otherwise, pregnant women will be left anxiously trying to avoid every “toxic speck” amid confusing information.
“And anxiety itself is not good for the fetus,” she added.
Knowledge | PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” may quietly affect the health of pregnant women and children: warning signs from European and US research
Knowledge | PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” may quietly affect the health of pregnant women and children: warning signs from European and US research
During pregnancy, Sara Blixt, like many expectant mothers, avoided the tuna she craved because she worried its mercury could affect her unborn baby. She tried to do the right things, including breastfeeding and choosing safer foods.
Three years later, she was shocked to learn that she and other residents of the Swedish town of Ronneby had unusually high PFAS levels in their blood. The local tap water had been contaminated by firefighting foam used over many years, and her two children were likely exposed repeatedly through the placenta, breast milk, and water used to prepare formula.
“I did everything I could to protect them, but I did not realize the real threat was hidden in the water I used every day.” — Sara Blixt
What are PFAS, and why can they affect mothers and children?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made compounds often called “forever chemicals” because they barely break down in the environment.
They are widely found in:
Nonstick cookware
Waterproof clothing and fire-resistant fabrics
Takeout food packaging and microwave popcorn bags
Some cosmetics, especially liquid foundation
People can be exposed through drinking water, food, and skin absorption. Research indicates that these substances take at least 3–5 years to decrease by half in the body, and PFAS can be detected in nearly everyone.
During pregnancy, the fetus is especially vulnerable
Dr. Tracey Woodruff, an environmental reproductive health expert at the University of California, San Francisco, says pregnancy is a period of particularly serious PFAS exposure.
Reasons include:
The placenta transfers nutrients and oxygen to the fetus but can also allow some similarly structured harmful substances through. Because PFAS resemble fatty acids, they cross the placenta more readily.
Late in pregnancy, PFAS may even accumulate in the placenta and leave the body only when the placenta is delivered.
Studies have found that, depending on the type of PFAS, fetal blood levels may reach 30%–80% of maternal levels.
Dr. Megan Romano, a researcher in Denmark, explained: “The placenta is not a toxic barrier; it is more like a sieve.”
Potential PFAS effects go beyond low birth weight
Lower birth weight:
PFOA, a common PFAS, has been linked to birth-weight reductions of up to 250 grams. These smaller infants may undergo rapid catch-up growth and be more likely to develop childhood obesity.
Language disorders and brain development:
Follow-up research on children in Ronneby, Sweden, linked prenatal PFAS exposure with developmental language disorder (DLD), including limited vocabulary, difficulty understanding, and poor attention.
Higher childhood cancer risk:
A 2024 Finnish study reported a significant association between certain PFAS and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood leukemia.
Weaker immune system:
A 2025 study found that infants exposed to PFAS had weaker immune responses to vaccines and were more susceptible to viral infections.
Maternal effects:
PFAS exposure during pregnancy has been associated with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, both major causes of maternal death worldwide.
Breastfeeding also requires awareness, but PFAS is not a reason to stop
PFAS can pass to infants through breast milk. In a Norwegian study, infant PFAS levels rose 3%–5% for each month of breastfeeding. However, breast milk also supports immunity, the gut microbiome, and brain development.
Dr. Romano said: “Do not stop breastfeeding because of PFAS. Although breast milk contains PFAS, its benefits may offset some of the harm.”
How can PFAS exposure be reduced?
Avoid nonstick coatings, fluorinated food wrap, and microwave popcorn bags
Choose uncoated stainless-steel, glass, or cast-iron cookware
Eat less meat and fish and more fruit and vegetables
Check waterproof clothing and cosmetics such as foundation for PFAS ingredients
Do not renovate a nursery yourself; avoid exposure to paint, carpeting, and wallpaper
If you are concerned about living in a high-exposure area, consult US and European water-contamination maps or ask a doctor about PFAS blood testing, which may be self-funded and difficult to access in some countries.
Could PFAS removal be possible? A cholesterol-lowering drug may offer a breakthrough
An older drug called cholestyramine is being studied to help the body recognize and eliminate PFAS. Preliminary trials suggest it may reduce body PFAS levels by 15%–60%.
Dr. Christel Nielsen, an epidemiologist at Lund University in Sweden, said: “This drug warrants further study, especially for highly exposed women planning pregnancy, but widespread use will take time.”
Most importantly, do not blame yourself
Dr. Woodruff emphasized: “The root of this problem is the chemical manufacturing industry, not mothers.”
She called on governments to regulate PFAS strictly as an entire class as soon as possible; otherwise, pregnant women will be left anxiously trying to avoid every “toxic speck” amid confusing information.
“And anxiety itself is not good for the fetus,” she added.
Story source:
Collected online