Study Links Prenatal PFAS Exposure to High Blood Pressure in Teens

New research shows that prenatal exposure to PFAS, or “forever chemicals” may lead to high blood pressure, particularly in teens, male and black children.

A new study suggests that children exposed to high levels of PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”) before birth may be more likely to develop high blood pressure during adolescence, a growing concern in the broader conversation about PFAS and teen high blood pressure.

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of roughly 15,000 human-made chemicals found in nonstick cookware, food packaging, waterproof clothing, and more. They don't break down easily and have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental issues.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, tracked over 1,000 children for about 12 years. Researchers analyzed PFAS levels in maternal blood shortly after birth and compared them to the children’s blood pressure as they grew. They found a strong link between prenatal PFAS exposure and elevated blood pressure, especially in teens, boys, and Black children.

While the study can't prove PFAS cause high blood pressure, experts say the results are concerning and point to long-term cardiovascular risks. High blood pressure in teens often continues into adulthood, raising the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. The study adds to mounting evidence around PFAS and teen high blood pressure, highlighting the need for further research and action.

Most children today are exposed to multiple PFAS chemicals in the womb, and researchers believe the mix may amplify health effects. Because some impacts don’t appear until years later, experts stress the need for both personal and policy-level solutions.

Find more on this…

American Hart Association

U.S. News & World Report

If you have questions, anything to add to this topic, or have found anything related to PFAS that others should know, reach out and share it with me.

About the Author: Erik is the writer behind The Forever Chemical Files, a blog about living with less exposure to PFAS (forever chemicals). After seeing cancer affect his family, he set out to find safer, PFAS-free alternatives — and share what he learns along the way.