Chemicals known as PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are found in many everyday products, from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to food packaging and cleaning supplies.
These substances are extremely durable because their chemical bonds are very strong, which means they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Over time, they can accumulate in water, soil, animals, and people.
Scientists have linked some PFAS to health problems such as cancer, hormone changes, fertility issues, and immune system effects. Because of these risks, several older types of PFAS have already been restricted or banned in many countries.
However, new versions of these chemicals have replaced the older ones in industry, and their health effects are still being studied.
A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Aging suggests that some of these newer PFAS may also be harmful. Researchers found that two specific chemicals, called PFNA and PFOSA, appear to speed up biological aging in middle-aged men, although the same effect was not observed in women.
The study was led by Dr. Xiangwei Li from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The research team analyzed data from a group of 326 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey around the year 2000.
Blood samples from these participants were tested for the presence of 11 different PFAS chemicals. The researchers also examined changes in DNA known as methylation patterns, which can indicate how fast a person’s body is aging at a biological level.
Biological age is different from chronological age. While chronological age simply counts the number of years since birth, biological age reflects how well the body is functioning.
Scientists use special methods, sometimes called epigenetic clocks, to estimate biological age based on chemical changes in DNA. Faster biological aging is linked to a higher risk of disease and earlier decline in health.
The results showed that PFNA and PFOSA were present in the blood of most participants. Higher levels of these chemicals were strongly linked to faster biological aging in men between the ages of 50 and 64. The same pattern was not seen in women, even though the chemical levels were similar. Other PFAS tested in the study did not show a clear connection with aging speed.
Researchers believe midlife may be a particularly sensitive period when the body becomes more vulnerable to environmental stress. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and occupational exposure may also play a role in why men appeared more affected in this study.
Scientists noted that the markers they used to measure aging can be influenced by these factors, which might increase the impact of chemical exposure.
PFNA and PFOSA have been used for decades because of their ability to resist heat, oil, and water. They are commonly found in industrial materials and consumer products. The findings suggest that even newer PFAS replacements may carry risks and should be carefully evaluated rather than assumed to be safe alternatives.
In reviewing the study, the results are concerning because they show that exposure to certain environmental chemicals may influence aging at the cellular level.
However, the research involved a relatively small sample and relied on data collected at one point in time, which limits the ability to prove cause and effect. More long-term studies are needed to confirm the findings and understand how these chemicals interact with other risk factors.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of monitoring environmental pollutants and their effects on human health. It also suggests that regulations may need to expand beyond older PFAS to include newer forms.
For individuals, reducing exposure by limiting packaged foods, avoiding heating food in plastic containers, and choosing products labeled PFAS-free may help lower risk.
This research adds to growing evidence that the chemicals surrounding us can have lasting effects on our health and aging. Understanding these risks is an important step toward protecting future generations and encouraging safer alternatives in manufacturing.
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