PFAS Exposure During Pregnancy Can Increase Teen Blood Pressure Risk, Study Finds
A new study has uncovered a concerning link between prenatal exposure to PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” and high blood pressure in teens.
These synthetic compounds, found in thousands of everyday items from nonstick cookware to food packaging, are known to persist in the environment and the human body for years. Now, researchers suggest that they may also be subtly influencing children’s health long before symptoms appear.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, followed more than 1,000 children over an average of 12 years. Researchers analyzed blood samples from mothers within 72 hours of giving birth and later tracked the blood pressure of their children as they grew.
The findings show that children exposed to higher levels of PFAS in the womb were more likely to develop elevated blood pressure during childhood and adolescence. The risk was especially pronounced in male children, adolescents, and Black children.
While the research is observational and cannot prove PFAS exposure causes high blood pressure, experts say the association is strong and troubling. One of the most significant concerns is the delayed effect: some PFAS chemicals may not show their full impact until years after exposure.
High blood pressure in teens is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is already the leading cause of death in the United States.
Dr. Mingyu Zhang, the study’s senior author and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, emphasized that while individual actions matter, the real solution lies in systemic change. “We need policy-level actions to limit and phase out PFAS use in products and industry,” he said.
In the meantime, experts suggest several ways to reduce exposure: drink filtered water, avoid nonstick and plastic cookware, opt for fresh foods over packaged ones, and steer clear of waterproof or stain-resistant fabrics and materials. Regular dusting, vacuuming, and handwashing can also help limit contact with these chemicals in the home.
Healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, reducing salt intake, encouraging physical activity, and managing body weight, may also help offset some of the cardiovascular risks in children who were exposed to PFAS before birth.
Still, the study adds to growing evidence that these “forever chemicals” are more than just environmental nuisances; they may be shaping public health in unseen and lasting ways.
