Are PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Transferred from Mothers to Newborns?
New study examines potential mechanisms and health implications of PFAS transfer between mothers and infants
In an important study, researchers have explored significant mechanisms and health implications of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in infants, analyzing their transfer through the placenta and into breast milk. This study marks a significant step forward in our understanding of environmental pollutants and their impact on the most vulnerable populations.
Box-plots of concentrations of PFAS with >50% detection in maternal serum across trimesters (T1-T3), cord serum or breast milk (ng/mL). The lower and upper edges of the box represent the first and third quartiles, respectively, while the line inside the box denotes the median level. The whiskers mark the 5th and 95th percentiles.
Eco-Environment & Health
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals extensively used in consumer goods production due to their hydrophobic and oleophobic properties and stability. However, their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in living organisms have sparked concerns about potential health effects. Previous studies have linked PFAS exposure to various adverse outcomes, including developmental issues in children.
PFAS were found in maternal serum, cord serum, and breast milk
A recent study published on May 8, 2024, in the journal Eco-Environment & Health has highlighted the levels, health risks, and transport protein binding capabilities of PFAS in early life based on the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort. Found in maternal serum, cord serum, and breast milk, these synthetic chemicals pose potential health risks for infants.
Led by the research team from the School of Public Health at Fudan University, the research team meticulously analyzed the transfer mechanisms and impacts of these persistent chemicals, providing crucial insights into their pervasive presence from pregnancy to lactation.
Employing high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the researchers analyzed 16 types of PFAS in 1,076 mother–child pairs. The results revealed the detection rates and median concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and 6:2 Cl-PFESA, with PFOS most prevalent in maternal serum.
PFAS were more likely to cross the placenta vs breastfeeding transfer
Notably, placental transfer efficiency of PFAS was higher than breastfeeding transfer, suggesting that these chemicals are more likely to cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetus. Additionally, the research utilized molecular docking to simulate the binding of PFAS to transport proteins, potentially influencing their distribution and transport within the body. These findings underscore the need for tighter PFAS regulations and further research into their environmental and health effects.
Yaqi Xu, lead author of the study, states, “Our findings are crucial for developing strategies to protect infants from the potentially harmful effects of PFAS exposure. Understanding the pathways and risks associated with these chemicals can lead to better regulatory policies and protective measures for the most susceptible among us.”
The implications of this research are profound, particularly for public health policies and infant safety. By identifying specific PFAS compounds more likely to transfer through the placenta and into breast milk, preventive measures can be more effectively targeted. Moreover, the study's findings could influence future guidelines on the use of PFAS-containing products by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
- This press release is republished from Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE