“Forever Chemicals” and Children’s Health—A Review of Adverse Effects Associated with Infant Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

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2022-04-15

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Abstract

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants. PFAS can bioaccumulate and persist in the human body for years and have been associated with reproductive and developmental effects. Breastfeeding is one major route of PFAS exposure in infants as lactation is an excretion pathway. While breastfeeding provides ample nutrition, immune and developmental benefits for infants, lactational PFAS transfer represents a potential risk for infant immune development and possibly other long-term adverse effects. Methods: In this literature review, we examine levels of PFAS concentration in breast milk across several different studies and synthesize findings from human epidemiologic studies and experimental models in both adults and children. Results: PFAS are routinely found in breast milk across geographic regions. PFAS exposure has led to numerous adverse health outcomes including immune, reproductive, and metabolic effects as well as pubertal onset indicators. Conclusion: Overall, it can be concluded based on existing scientific evidence that there is an association between PFAS exposure and adverse health outcomes in adults and children. However, many of the studies in this review focus on long-chain PFAS and may be inconsistent with other findings, so there is a need for more studies on short-chain PFAS to understand their potential long-term health effects.

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per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, maternal and child health, health effects, children’s environmental health

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