Exposure to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” during early childhood was associated with lower bone mineral density at age 12 in a U.S. birth cohort study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. The associations were strongest for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and appeared more pronounced in girls, while links for other PFAS varied by the timing of exposure.
New research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during early life may be associated with differences in bone development by early adolescence. (sciencedaily.com)
Tracking PFAS over childhood
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 218 adolescents enrolled in a long-running pregnancy and birth cohort. PFAS concentrations were assessed at delivery and again when the children were ages 3, 8 and 12 years. Bone mineral density was then assessed at age 12. (sciencedaily.com)
The study reported that higher blood levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were associated with lower bone density in the forearm at age 12. (sciencedaily.com)
Timing and sex differences
For other PFAS chemicals measured in the study, the relationship with bone density differed depending on when exposure occurred, pointing to the possibility that some developmental periods may be more sensitive than others. The study also found that associations between PFAS and lower bone density were stronger in females than in males. (sciencedaily.com)
What PFAS are and why exposure matters
PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used in many products and industrial processes. Many PFAS persist for long periods and can accumulate in the environment and in people, contributing to concerns about potential health effects. (sciencedaily.com)
“Adolescence is a key period for building strong bones, and achieving optimal bone mass during this time can reduce lifelong risks of fractures and osteoporosis,” said Jessie P. Buckley, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “Our findings suggest reducing PFAS exposure during key developmental windows could support healthier bones throughout life.” (sciencedaily.com)
Buckley added that the results “add to growing evidence” of long-term consequences from early-life PFAS exposure and support efforts to reduce contamination in drinking water and consumer products. (sciencedaily.com)
Collaborators and funding
The Endocrine Society said the research team included collaborators from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Brown University, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and several other institutions. Funding was provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, according to the release. (sciencedaily.com)
