Prenatal Exposure to Persistent Chemicals May Increase Teen Blood Pressure Risks

Recent research indicates that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," during fetal development can have long-lasting effects on blood pressure in adolescents. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and presented at the Society for Epidemiologic Research Conference in Boston, examined how prenatal contact with these synthetic compounds might contribute to elevated blood pressure later in life.

PFAS are a vast group of human-made chemicals used in various household and industrial products, such as water-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, food packaging, and personal care items. Due to their resistant nature, these chemicals do not break down easily and accumulate in the environment and in human bodies over time. Nearly everyone worldwide is exposed to PFAS through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

The study assessed data from the Boston Birth Cohort, involving over 1,000 mother-child pairs, and analyzed blood samples from mothers taken shortly after delivery, measuring levels of eight different PFAS compounds. Children’s blood pressure was then monitored from ages 3 to 18 across multiple routine pediatric visits.

Findings revealed that higher prenatal levels of certain PFAS chemicals, such as PFDeA, PFNA, and PFUnA, correlated with an increased likelihood of higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure during adolescence. Specifically, doubling the concentration of these chemicals was linked to a 1.39 to 2.78 percentile rise in systolic blood pressure and a 1.22 to 2.54 percentile increase in diastolic blood pressure among teenagers. Moreover, the risk of developing elevated blood pressure was 6% to 8% higher for boys and children born to non-Hispanic Black mothers.

Interestingly, some PFAS compounds appeared to lower blood pressure in early childhood, but these effects did not persist as children aged into adolescence. The research emphasizes that the harmful effects of prenatal PFAS exposure may only become evident years after birth, underscoring the importance of long-term studies.

Experts suggest that reducing exposure through safer products and enhanced regulation is crucial. Measures such as filtering drinking water, choosing PFAS-free household items, and advocating for policy changes to restrict use in consumer products are vital steps. The study’s lead author, Zeyu Li, from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, highlighted that understanding the impacts of these chemicals mandates policy-level actions to protect vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and children.

As chemicals can interfere with hormonal development and cardiovascular health, particularly in genetically or socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, experts warn that ongoing environmental exposure could contribute to disparities in health outcomes. Researchers advocate for further investigation into the long-term effects of prenatal PFAS exposure and call for stronger public health policies to mitigate risks.

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