Scientists are becoming more concerned about a group of chemicals known as PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body.
These chemicals are used in many everyday products, such as nonstick pans, food packaging, water-resistant clothing, and even some drinking water supplies. Because they last so long, they can build up in the body over time.
A new study led by researchers at the University of California, Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health has found a possible link between early exposure to PFAS and a higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common type of cancer in children.
The findings were published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, often called ALL, affects the blood and bone marrow. It usually develops quickly and requires urgent treatment. Although survival rates have improved in recent years, the causes of this disease are still not fully understood. Scientists believe that both genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
To better understand early exposure, researchers studied dried blood samples collected from newborn babies. These samples are routinely taken shortly after birth for health screening, and they provide a unique opportunity to measure what chemicals a baby has already been exposed to before or during birth.
The study included 125 children who were later diagnosed with leukemia and 219 children who did not develop cancer. All of the children were born in Los Angeles County between 2000 and 2015. The researchers analyzed the blood samples for different types of PFAS.
They found 17 PFAS chemicals in the newborn samples. Among these, two chemicals called PFOA and PFOS were found at the highest levels. Children who had higher levels of these chemicals at birth were more likely to develop leukemia later in childhood. The risk appeared to increase further when children were exposed to both chemicals together.
The researchers also detected 26 additional PFAS chemicals. Some of these have rarely been studied before, but several showed similar patterns, suggesting they might also be linked to cancer risk.
Interestingly, the study found stronger links in non-Hispanic children. However, the researchers noted that this result should be treated carefully because the number of cases was relatively small.
This study builds on earlier work by the same research team, which looked at PFAS levels in drinking water across California. That earlier study followed more than 40,000 children and found that higher exposure to PFAS was linked to several types of childhood cancer.
While the new findings are important, the researchers emphasize that the study does not prove that PFAS directly cause leukemia. It shows a connection, but more research is needed to understand how these chemicals might affect the body and lead to disease.
One of the strengths of this study is that it measured exposure directly at birth, rather than estimating it based on where people lived or what water they drank. This gives a clearer picture of how early exposure may affect health.
However, there are also limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the results may not apply to all populations. In addition, many PFAS chemicals are still not well studied, so their full impact on human health is not yet known.
Overall, the study adds to growing concerns about PFAS and their possible effects on children’s health. Since these chemicals are so widespread, reducing exposure may be challenging but important. Future research will be needed to confirm these findings and to guide policies that protect children from harmful environmental exposures.
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Source: University of California, Irvine.
