Toxic 'forever chemicals' have been linked to childhood leukemia, according to new research. The study, conducted by a team at the University of California, found that early exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was associated with a higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common childhood cancer.
PFAS Exposure and Health Risks
PFAS are a group of fluorine-based chemicals that have been widely used since the mid-20th century. They are found in greaseproof food wrappers, non-stick cookware, dental floss, mascara, and firefighting foam. Their popularity stems from their ability to repel water and oil, resist high temperatures, and offer durability. However, they do not degrade easily, with some compounds lasting hundreds or thousands of years. They can leach into drinking water, contaminate food, and accumulate in the human body and animals. Previous studies have linked PFAS to cancers, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and infertility.
Study Details
To investigate the effects of exposure on babies and children, researchers analyzed dried blood spots collected from newborns in Los Angeles County over a 15-year period. The study included 125 children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 219 children without cancer, all born between 2000 and 2015. Among 17 PFAS detected in the newborn blood, two types—PFOA and PFOS—showed the highest levels. PFOA is primarily found in drinking water, but also in food packaging, waterproof fabrics, and was used in Teflon cookware until recently. PFOS is used in similar applications, including synthetic clothing and carpets.
The study found that children with higher levels of PFAS in their blood had increased odds of developing leukemia, though the researchers cautioned that estimates were not precise. Risk also appeared to rise with combined exposure to the two chemicals.
Expert Commentary
Co-author Veronica Vieira, chair and professor of environmental and occupational health at the University of California, Irvine's Wen Public Health school, said: '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 research team emphasized that their study does not prove cause and effect, but it adds to growing evidence that PFAS exposure early in life may contribute to cancer risk in children.
Regulatory Actions
In recent years, a better understanding of the risks posed by forever chemicals has led to a pushback against their usage. The use of PFAS in Teflon cookware was outlawed in the UK in 2005, in Europe in 2008, and stopped being sold in the US in 2014. Further controls are also on the cards in Britain, with concerned MPs calling for a ban on synthetic chemicals in school uniforms, food packaging, and cookware. The Environmental Audit Committee urged the government to introduce restrictions on non-essential use of PFAS and begin a phased restriction from 2027.
The research is published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
