PFAS Detected in the Blood of Children in Northern Spain

Recent research conducted in northern Spain has confirmed the presence of perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) in the blood plasma of children living in the Urola and Goierri districts. Although the study indicated that the current levels of PFAS do not pose an immediate health threat, experts emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring due to the persistent and bioaccumulative nature of these chemicals. The study, a collaboration between the University of the Basque Country, BioGipuzkoa, and the Department of Public Health, analyzed blood samples from 315 minors over a period from 2011 to 2022, uncovering 18 different PFAS compounds among the 42 studied. Detection rates for these compounds ranged from 70% to 97%, with concentrations varying across age groups. Notably, levels tended to decrease with age, reflecting different exposure pathways at various developmental stages, including maternal exposure during early childhood and environmental exposure during adolescence.

The chemicals studied are known for their stability and widespread use in consumer products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food-grade containers, and firefighting foams. Their environmental persistence and ability to enter the human body through multiple routes—including placental transfer, breastfeeding, ingestion, and inhalation—raise concerns about long-term health impacts. PFAS have been linked to endocrine disruption, increased cholesterol levels, liver effects, and developmental issues. However, the study’s authors state that, at present, no immediate health risks have been identified, but they caution that future health effects cannot be ruled out, especially given the slow degradation of these substances.

The research highlights deficiencies in current regulations, which have not fully eradicated PFAS from the environment or reduced human exposure, especially to emerging compounds not yet comprehensively studied. The findings underline the need for updated policies and continuous biomonitoring to better understand the potential health implications. Since children are particularly vulnerable to environmental pollutants — exposure at an early age can lead to adverse effects and increased disease risk later in life — understanding and reducing PFAS exposure is crucial.

The study emphasizes the importance of periodic investigations to track changes in PFAS levels over time and calls for more accurate, human-focused risk assessment methods. The project is part of the INMA (Childhood and the Environment) initiative, which investigates how environmental pollutants influence child development. The researchers also observed that while some regulated PFAS like PFOA and PFOS are decreasing in younger children, other emerging PFAS are more prevalent in teenagers, indicating shifts in chemical exposure linked to regulatory actions and usage patterns.

In conclusion, despite current levels being considered safe, scientists warn that the persistence of PFAS in the environment and body warrants continued vigilance. Strengthening regulations, expanding research into newer compounds, and assessing long-term health effects are vital steps in protecting future generations from potential risks associated with these widespread environmental contaminants.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-pfas-presence-blood-children-northern.html