New research published in Journal of the Endocrine Society suggest that early-life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may influence bone development in children during adolescence.
PFAS are man-made chemicals commonly found in water, food, and a wide range of everyday products. Many of these substances, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” are not easily broken down and can accumulate in the environment and in the human body. Scientists are concerned that this persistence could interfere with normal development, including the formation of healthy bones.
“Adolescence is a critical period for building strong bones, and achieving optimal bone mass during this period can reduce the lifelong risk of fractures and osteoporosis,” said Dr. Jesse P. Buckley of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “Our findings suggest that reducing exposure to PFAS during key developmental periods may support healthier bones throughout life.”
Study tracks PFAS levels and bone density
To explore this link, researchers analyzed blood samples from 218 young people in the Longitudinal Pregnancy and Birth Cohort. PFAS levels were measured at multiple stages, including at birth, and at ages 3, 8, and 12 years. Bone density was then assessed when participants reached 12 years of age.
The study found that teens with higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in their blood had lower bone density in their forearms.
Timing and gender differences in PFAS effects
For other PFAS compounds, the relationship with bone density varied depending on when exposure occurred. This suggests that certain stages of development may be more sensitive to these chemicals than others. The relationship between PFAS levels and reduced bone density was also stronger in women than in men.
“These findings add to the evidence that early-life PFAS exposure can have long-term health effects and highlight the importance of efforts to reduce contamination of drinking water and consumer products,” Buckley said.
Research team and funding
The study involved researchers from multiple institutions, including the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Brown University, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the University of Pennsylvania, Simon Fraser University, and the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Funding was provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Research. The study, titled “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and bone mineral density in adolescents: assessment of the sensitive period,” was published online.
