Summary of Pregnancy Exposure to “Forever Chemicals” May Fuel Childhood Obesity:
A study from Brown University has found that prenatal exposure to per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” could lead to slightly higher body mass indices (BMI) and increase the risk of obesity in children. The research drew from thousands of individual PFAS and used data collected over two decades from 1,391 children. The findings showed that even low levels of PFAS exposure in pregnant women could lead to increased risks of obesity among their children. Toxic PFAS, often used in the household, personal care, and food products, are incredibly durable and have persisted in the environment for thousands of years.
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Summary:
– A new study from Brown University reveals that prenatal exposure to “forever chemicals” (PFAS) is linked to higher body mass indices and increased obesity risk in children.
– The study involved a comprehensive data set with research sites nationwide, making the findings more generalizable to the population.
– Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy was linked to slightly higher body mass indices, and the risk of obesity was seen equally for male and female children.
– PFAS substances are used in many household products, and their persistence in the environment is why they are known as “forever chemicals.”
– Even low levels of PFAS exposure during pregnancy put pregnant women and their children at risk of harmful health effects.
Pregnancy Exposure to “Forever Chemicals” May Fuel Childhood Obesity
A recent study by researchers at Brown University has found that exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy can harm the child’s health, leading to higher body mass indices and a greater risk of obesity in children. PFAS substances are commonly used in oil- and water-repellent textiles, personal care products, firefighting foams, and much more. What makes them concerning is their incredible durability, as they can persist in the environment for thousands of years, earning them the term “forever chemicals.”
The study used data collected over the past two decades from 1,391 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years and their mothers at ECHO research sites in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Colorado, New Hampshire, Georgia, and New York. The study analyzed seven types of PFAS in blood samples collected from pregnant mothers, calculating each child’s body mass index. The researchers found that even low levels of PFAS exposure can impact children’s weight, as higher levels of PFAS exposure in the mother’s blood during pregnancy were associated with slightly higher body mass indices. The risk was equal for male and female children.
Although previous research has hinted at a link between PFAS exposure and childhood weight, the new study provides much more substantial evidence. The broader data set and national research sites make this study’s findings more generalizable to the population. According to the CDC, as of the years 2017-2020, 19.7% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 in the United States were obese, representing about 14.7 million children and adolescents.
These findings matter as the adverse effects of exposure begin before birth, endangering a child’s future health. Hence, it is critical to learn how to avoid these substances. PFAS can be found in numerous household items, including non-stick cookware, microwave popcorn, dental floss, and dishes that can go into the oven. PFAS are also commonly used in fast food packaging and drinking straws. Exposure is inevitable. However, pregnant women can reduce their exposure risk by eliminating or decreasing the use of household products containing PFAS. Additionally, stove-top cooking methods and using safe dishes could help.
Moreover, the researchers noted that although some manufacturers have voluntarily phased out their use in response to concerns over health and environmental impact, PFAS levels in many households remain high, putting unborn children at risk of developing health issues. PFAS are even present in materials used for years, making it a pressing public health concern. The adverse health effects continue to haunt people exposed to PFAS days after exposure, even when the chemical has already left the body.
In conclusion, the findings from this study underpin the need for policymakers to implement adequate measures to reduce the risks associated with PFAS exposure during pregnancy. This data is valuable to health researchers and policymakers who can use this research to influence and inform environmental policy and safety-related regulations centered on PFAS. The broader goal will be to ensure that children and pregnant women are less threatened by the dangers of PFAS.
