Could Exposure to PFAS During Pregnancy Lead to Long-Term Weight Gain and Heart Problems in Women?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of humanmade chemicals that are commonly found in everyday consumer goods such as food packaging, cookware, clothes, drinking water, and personal care products. These chemicals are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as they can interfere with hormones and potentially cause a range of health issues including obesity, infertility, and cancer.
A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has shed light on the potential long-term effects of PFAS exposure during pregnancy on women’s health. Lead author, Dr. Jordan Burdeau from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, stated, “Our study supports the idea that pregnancy may be a sensitive period of PFAS exposure as it may be associated with long-term weight gain and subsequent adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes in women.”
The research, which involved 547 pregnant women in their early 30s, compared PFAS levels during pregnancy with cardiometabolic health outcomes at age 50. The findings revealed that women with higher levels of PFAS in their blood during early pregnancy tended to weigh more and had more body fat at 50 years old compared to those with lower levels, potentially increasing their risk of obesity and heart health problems later in life.
Dr. Burdeau emphasized the importance of limiting PFAS exposure to reduce the risk of future health issues, stating, “It’s important to try to limit your PFAS exposure as it could reduce your risk of health issues later in life.”
The study, co-authored by researchers from various institutions including Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Overall, the findings of this study suggest that exposure to PFAS during pregnancy may have long-term implications for women’s health, particularly in relation to weight gain and heart health. By raising awareness about the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure during pregnancy, early prevention and detection of adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes in women may be improved.
