What Are Forever Chemicals?
Forever chemicals, a group of fluorine-based compounds, have been widely used since their discovery in the mid-20th century. These substances are known for their remarkable properties, such as repelling water and oil, resisting high temperatures, and offering exceptional durability. Their versatility has led to their use in a variety of products, including greaseproof food wrappers, non-stick cookware, dental floss, mascara, and firefighting foam.
Despite their usefulness, these chemicals do not break down easily in the environment. Some compounds can persist for hundreds or even thousands of years. This persistence means they can leach into drinking water, contaminate food, and accumulate in the human body and animals over time. Studies have linked exposure to these chemicals with various health issues, including cancers, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and infertility.
New Research on PFAS and Childhood Cancer
Recent research conducted by a team at the University of California has found that early exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals, is associated with a higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common type of childhood cancer.
To investigate the effects of exposure on babies and children, the researchers analysed dried blood spots collected from newborns in Los Angeles County over a 15-year period. This approach provided a clearer understanding of the impact of early exposure to these pervasive chemicals.
The study included 125 children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and 219 children without cancer, born between 2000 and 2015. Among the 17 PFAS detected in the newborn blood, two types—PFOA and PFOS—were found at the highest levels. PFOA is primarily found in drinking water but is also present in food packaging and waterproof fabrics. It was previously used in Teflon cookware until recently. PFOS is used in similar applications and can be found in synthetic clothing and carpets.
The study revealed that children with higher levels of PFAS in their blood had an increased risk of developing leukaemia. However, the researchers cautioned that the estimates were not precise. They also noted that the risk appeared to rise with combined exposure to the two chemicals.
Veronica Vieira, co-author and chair of environmental and occupational health at the University of California, Irvine’s School of Population and Public Health, stated, “This research moves us closer to understanding what babies are exposed to from the very start by directly measuring PFAS present at birth, rather than estimating exposure from drinking water.”
She added, “By capturing exposures during a critical window of development, we are gaining a clearer picture of how environmental contaminants may contribute to childhood cancer risk.”
The Broader Implications of PFAS Exposure
While the research does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that PFAS exposure early in life may contribute to cancer risk in children. In recent years, there has been a greater awareness of the risks posed by these chemicals, leading to efforts to limit their use.
For example, the use of PFAS in Teflon cookware was banned in the UK in 2005, in Europe in 2008, and in the US in 2014. In Britain, further controls are being considered, with some MPs calling for a government ban on certain synthetic chemicals used in school uniforms, food packaging, and cookware.
A report by the Environmental Audit Committee urged the government to introduce restrictions on the non-essential use of PFAS and to begin a phased restriction from 2027. This initiative reflects a growing concern about the long-term health and environmental impacts of these chemicals.
The findings of this research were published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
