Early-life exposure to PFAS may influence how children’s bones develop during adolescence, according to new research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
“Adolescence is a key period for building strong bones, and achieving optimal bone mass during this time can reduce lifelong risks of fractures and osteoporosis,” said study author Jessie Buckley, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. “Our findings suggest reducing PFAS exposure during key developmental windows could support healthier bones throughout life.”
For the study, the authors analyzed blood samples for PFAS concentrations of 218 teens from a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort at delivery and ages 3, 8 and 12 years old. The researchers also measured bone density at age 12 and found that teens with higher blood perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels had lower forearm bone density.
For other PFAS, the links to bone density varied depending on when exposures occurred, suggesting that certain developmental stages may be especially vulnerable. The associations of PFAS levels with lower bone density were stronger among females than males.
“These findings add to growing evidence that PFAS exposure during early life may carry long-term health consequences, underscoring the importance of efforts to reduce contamination in drinking water and consumer products,” said Buckley.
Data from the Endocrine Society