Researchers from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute have identified a link between prenatal exposure to PFAS and an increased risk of obesity in children. The findings arise from a study reported by Reedus, which highlights this connection between maternal exposure and later weight trends in offspring.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals prized for their water resistance and nonstick properties. They are commonly added to cookware, fabrics, and paper-based food packaging. Scientists in this project point out that PFAS persist in the body and gradually accumulate over time, raising concerns about long term health effects across generations.
The study tracked 545 mother child pairs. Blood samples were collected from expectant mothers during pregnancy and later from the children as they reached adulthood, approximately two decades afterward. The researchers observed that teens who had higher PFAS exposure in the womb showed an early rise in body mass index beginning around ages 9 to 11, as reflected by maternal blood biomarkers collected during pregnancy.
Separately, researchers from Purdue University in the United States explored health risks related to hair care products. Their investigations focused on emissions from hair smoothing agents and other volatile compounds released by styling products. The experiments demonstrated that individuals can inhale up to twenty milligrams of harmful substances daily from these products, prompting further inquiry into the specific health outcomes for users.
Earlier studies have suggested that household chemical exposures may influence developmental milestones and behavior in adolescents, underscoring the importance of understanding environmental factors that shape health outcomes over time.