Prenatal exposure to PFAS or “forever chemicals” is associated with an increased risk for high blood pressure later in childhood, especially among boys, according to researchers.
Children exposed to PFAS or “forever chemicals” before birth are at increased risk for high blood pressure, especially in their teens, a new study finds.
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They’re human-made chemicals used to make products resistant to water, grease and stains.
People are exposed to them through drinking water, food and household items, like food packaging, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and personal care products.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 1,100 children who had more than 13,000 blood pressure readings taken at routine pediatric visits over more than a decade.
They compared the readings to PFAS concentrations in maternal blood collected after delivery.
Overall, higher maternal concentrations of three common PFAS were associated with higher systolic blood pressure in children of all ages, according to the results.
But the association was strongest in teens, boys, and non-Hispanic Black children.
Researchers found as levels of certain PFAS doubled, blood pressure among 13- to 18-year-olds increased significantly. And both their systolic, or top number, and diastolic, or bottom number, were adversely affected.
The risk among boys and non-Hispanic Blacks rose 6% to 8% as PFAS levels doubled.
The senior author says while people can try to limit their exposure to PFAS, “this is not something individuals can solve on their own.”
She says, “Reducing PFAS exposure — especially during pregnancy and in children — requires policy-level action to limit and phase out PFAS in consumer products and industrial uses, and to strengthen monitoring and regulation of PFAS in water systems.”
For now, researchers say people can take action by choosing PFAS-free products or cookware and filtering water.
Source: Journal of the American Heart Association
Author Affiliations: Johns Hopkins University, Boston University
Boston Medical Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
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