Persistent Chemicals in Mothers’ Blood May Affect Children’s Brain Development, Scientists Find
The scientific community continues to investigate the potential impacts of long-lasting environmental pollutants on future generations’ health.
Researchers from Finland, Canada, and Sweden conducted a comprehensive study revealing significant data on the effects of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—widely recognized for their water-repellent and heat-resistant properties.
Dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ because of their persistence in the environment for hundreds of years, these substances contaminate soil, water, and even human bodies.
The study involved 51 mother-child pairs, measuring PFAS levels in maternal blood during pregnancy and assessing the children’s brain development at age five through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The results indicated that specific types of PFAS influence brain structures, notably the corpus callosum and hypothalamus, critical for hormonal regulation and essential bodily functions.
Changes in the volume and area of gray matter responsible for visual processing were also observed.
Scientists emphasize that although the exact mechanisms of how PFAS affect brain development remain unclear, their ability to cross the placental barrier and penetrate brain tissue raises concerns.
Further research is necessary to determine whether these changes are harmful, neutral, or even beneficial.
PFAS have been utilized in manufacturing since the 1950s, found in everyday items such as dental floss, non-stick cookware, and food packaging.
Despite restrictions in some countries, eliminating their use entirely remains a challenge, posing ongoing risks to human health and the environment.
The implications of persistent chemical exposure require continued scientific scrutiny to understand long-term effects better.