A growing body of research is revealing the ways our environment can quietly shape our health, often beginning long before birth.
New findings from the Journal of the American Heart Association have drawn a strong link between in utero exposure to PFAS—synthetic compounds commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”—and increased blood pressure in children during adolescence.
These chemicals are present in everyday products such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and cleaning agents.
Because they break down so slowly, they persist in our environment and, increasingly, in our bodies.
Maternal PFAS levels were measured within 72 hours after delivery.
Researchers found that children whose mothers had higher concentrations of certain PFAS compounds—specifically PFDeA, PFNA, and PFUnA—were significantly more likely to develop elevated systolic blood pressure as they aged, particularly during the teen years.
The study also found that this risk was more pronounced among boys and children of Black mothers.
You can read more about this study and its methodology.
These findings are concerning not only because high blood pressure in youth often leads to hypertension in adulthood, but also because they suggest the physiological impact of chemical exposure can span years, even decades.
Prior studies have shown that PFAS are capable of crossing the placenta and entering the fetal bloodstream.
This study confirms that the effects of that early contact may not emerge until much later in a child’s development.
Dr. Justin Zachariah, a pediatric cardiologist at Baylor College of Medicine, underscores the urgency of early intervention.
He notes that while individual choices like healthy eating, physical activity, and limiting sodium intake remain crucial in managing cardiovascular risk, environmental exposures introduce variables we cannot fully control.
His commentary supports a broader call for collective action, emphasizing that awareness is just the first step toward meaningful change.
Watch Dr. Zachariah’s insights in this.
Unfortunately, this comes at a time when regulatory efforts to reduce PFAS contamination are facing resistance.
The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed scaling back rules that would limit PFAS in drinking water—one of the primary sources of exposure for many communities.
According to Dr. Mingyu Zhang, one of the study’s senior authors and a physician at Harvard Medical School, this could undermine efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
His statement echoes a growing concern among scientists and public health advocates: without strong environmental protections, personal precautions will never be enough.
Learn more about the EPA’s proposal.
For families and individuals, the next steps are twofold.
First, stay informed about the presence of PFAS in everyday products and consider alternatives when possible.
Second, support science-based policy efforts that aim to regulate these substances more stringently and protect future generations.
This is not just a matter of individual health—it’s a public health issue that touches nearly every home and community.
Thank you for taking the time to understand the long-term effects of PFAS exposure and the importance of advocating for a healthier, safer environment.