Prenatal Exposure to 'Forever Chemicals' Linked to Higher Blood Pressure in Teens

Exposure to synthetic compounds known as 'forever chemicals' before birth has been linked to higher systolic blood pressure in children, especially during their teenage years, according to a new study. The research, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that boys and children born to Black mothers with high levels of these chemicals in their blood around the time of delivery were at a higher risk of elevated blood pressure. This study underscores the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely used in consumer products for their water, grease, and stain-resistant properties.

The study followed 1,094 children from the Boston Birth Cohort over a median of 12 years, analyzing more than 13,000 blood pressure readings. It found that as levels of certain PFAS doubled, systolic blood pressure was significantly higher among adolescents. The findings suggest that reducing exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy could help protect children's cardiovascular health in the long term. Researchers emphasize the need for stronger environmental protections and policy-level actions to limit PFAS in consumer products and water systems, as individual efforts may not be sufficient to mitigate exposure.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence on the harmful effects of PFAS, which do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and human body over time. The study's findings are particularly concerning given the global increase in high blood pressure among children between 2000 and 2015, raising future risks for heart disease and stroke. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating PFAS exposure, especially during sensitive periods such as pregnancy, to safeguard public health.