Prenatal PFAS Exposure May Increase Teen Blood Pressure
Children exposed to synthetic compounds called “forever chemicals” before birth had higher blood pressure in their teenage years. This is according to a new study published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. The study also is being presented today at the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) conference in Boston. The link between prenatal exposure to chemicals and increased blood pressure was more pronounced in boys and in children of non-Hispanic Black mothers. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that make products water-, grease- and stain-resistant. People are exposed to PFAS primarily through drinking water, food and household products such as food packaging, nonstick cookware, stain-repellent fabrics and carpets, and personal care products. They are called “forever chemicals” because they are difficult to break down and…

