A new study from Harvard University has identified a strong link between high exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endocrine disruption in women, raising fresh concerns over the widespread presence of these chemicals in consumer products. The findings were published on Friday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open and add to a growing body of evidence connecting PFAS to long-term health risks.
Researchers analysed blood samples for seven types of PFAS compounds and found that women showing signs of hormonal imbalance had noticeably higher concentrations of several of these chemicals. Endocrine disruption can interfere with the body’s normal hormonal activity and may contribute to reduced fertility, menstrual irregularities, developmental issues in reproductive organs, and early onset puberty.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are used in products that require resistance to heat, stains, and water. They appear in non-stick cookware, food packaging, and a range of menstrual products. Their persistence in the environment means they do not easily break down, allowing them to accumulate in soil, water supplies, and ultimately the human body. Exposure can occur through contaminated drinking water, food, everyday household items and, according to recent research, even through skin contact.
The Harvard study noted that its scope was limited because it relied on a single blood sample from each participant, which means some women may have already experienced hormonal disruption before PFAS exposure was measured. This raises questions about how the body processes these chemicals once endocrine abnormalities are present.
Despite growing awareness, avoiding PFAS remains a challenge. In 2022, the Forever Pollution Project — a cross-border investigation involving journalists across Europe — identified nearly 23,000 sites contaminated with PFAS. The team also flagged more than 21,500 additional locations that may be polluted due to industrial activity, highlighting that chemical exposure is widespread across the continent.
Global health authorities have taken steps to regulate the most harmful substances. In 2023, the World Health Organization classified perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as carcinogenic and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Although both are banned in the European Union, many other PFAS compounds remain unregulated.
Consumer advocates say this is evident in routine products. Earlier this year, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) tested 221 items sold online and in stores across the region. Sixty-two were found to contain levels of total organic fluorine — an indicator of PFAS — above the limits proposed for future EU restrictions. Contaminated items spanned nearly all categories, from adhesive bandages and kinesiology tape to microwave popcorn packaging.
The Harvard findings add renewed urgency to calls for stronger regulations as scientists warn that PFAS exposure continues to rise.
