Exposure to “forever chemicals” before birth may increase the risk of high blood pressure during adolescence, according to new research that raises further concerns about the long-term health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, followed over 1,000 children across the United States, tracking their health from birth through their teenage years. Researchers used maternal blood samples collected shortly after childbirth to determine prenatal PFAS exposure levels, then analyzed medical records up to the children’s 18th birthdays.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals commonly used in products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and food packaging. Known for their resistance to degradation, they are often called “forever chemicals” because they accumulate in the environment and in the human body. Previous studies have linked PFAS exposure to health problems including certain cancers, fertility issues, and high cholesterol.
This new study now adds adolescent hypertension to that list. Lead author Zeyu Li, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, said the findings suggest that prenatal exposure to PFAS can have “long-lasting and potentially harmful effects” that may not become visible until years later.
The risk of high blood pressure was found to be especially elevated among teenage boys and Black children who had higher PFAS levels at birth. Interestingly, the researchers noted that some types of PFAS were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure during early childhood — though this trend reversed by adolescence.
Experts say the new findings contribute to a growing body of evidence linking PFAS to cardiovascular and developmental issues, but the science remains complex. There are thousands of PFAS compounds, and their effects can vary widely based on individual exposure levels and chemical combinations over time.
Senior author Mingyu Zhang, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the need for stronger public health safeguards. “PFAS are so widespread that it’s nearly impossible for individuals to avoid them. We need broader regulatory measures to protect people from these chemicals,” he said.
Zhang called for stricter limits on PFAS in water systems, greater monitoring of exposure levels, and the phase-out of PFAS from consumer and industrial products. The study also underscores the importance of long-term research to better understand the impact of environmental toxins on health from infancy through adulthood.
