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Sociodemographic predictors of PFAS exposure among a combined sample of U.S. pregnant women: an Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) public-use dataset analysis
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Analysis of 3,043 U.S. pregnant women found widespread PFAS exposure with higher levels linked to race, ethnicity, and education, indicating that sociodemographic disparities shape toxic chemical burden before birth. These findings underscore the need for ongoing biomonitoring of vulnerable populations, as PFAS are associated with developmental and immune harm in fetuses and newborns.
We analyzed data from a combined sample of U.S. pregnant women (n = 3043) in the ECHO public-use dataset to assess exposure to 14 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including both legacy and less-studied compounds. Higher levels of some PFAS were observed by race, ethnicity, and education. Our findings document continued widespread PFAS exposure in the U.S., including among fetuses and newborns who may be especially vulnerable to developmental and immune effects. Ongoing biomonitoring is critical for understanding changing exposure patterns across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
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This multicohort study of predominantly Hispanic young adults found that beverage consumption habits and food preparation methods are associated with differences in blood PFAS levels, underscoring dietary exposure as a significant contributor to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance accumulation and the need for public food monitoring.
Association of diet with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and human milk in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study
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Researchers found that pregnant people who ate more fish/seafood, eggs, coffee, or white rice had higher levels of "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in their blood and breast milk. These chemicals have been linked to health problems, and since they can pass to babies through breast milk, this research helps identify specific foods that may be worth moderating or sourcing carefully during pregnancy and breastfeeding to reduce a baby's early exposure.
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This study found that nearly half of U.S. survey respondents had never heard of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with 97% unaware their drinking water might be contaminated, highlighting a major public knowledge gap that community exposure events and coordinated government outreach could help address.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Concentrations are Associated with an Unfavorable Cardio-Metabolic Risk Profile: Findings from Two Population-Based Cohort Studies
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Researchers found that even low blood levels of PFAS ("forever chemicals") in the general population were associated with worse cholesterol and lipoprotein profiles — a known risk factor for heart disease — with stronger harmful effects in younger adults, supporting calls for stricter regulation of these persistent chemicals.
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Researchers mapped the spatial distribution of 30 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across tap and surface waters from Central and South Florida using solid-phase extraction and LC-MS/MS. PFAS were detected in all samples at concentrations up to 169 ng/L, with the highest levels near military airbases, wastewater facilities, and airports in the Biscayne Bay area.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.