Forever Chemicals & Health Risks: US Concerns Rise – News Roundup

Mounting evidence suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” may have far-reaching health consequences, extending beyond previously understood risks. Recent research indicates a link between PFAS exposure and accelerated epigenetic aging, particularly in men aged 50 to 65. Simultaneously, a new survey reveals that a significant majority of Americans – over 70% – are concerned about exposure to toxic chemicals in their food and water and believe the government should take more action to protect them.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, from non-stick cookware and firefighting foam to food packaging and textiles. Their persistence in the environment and the human body has earned them the moniker “forever chemicals,” as they do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that PFAS are found in the blood of nearly all Americans.

The recent study highlighting accelerated aging focused on epigenetic changes – alterations in gene expression that don’t involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors, including chemical exposures, and are increasingly recognized as indicators of biological age and health risk. The findings suggest that PFAS exposure may disrupt normal epigenetic processes, leading to a faster rate of biological aging in susceptible individuals.

The concern surrounding PFAS isn’t limited to accelerated aging. Research has linked these chemicals to a range of adverse health effects, including kidney cancer, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, and immune system suppression. A University of Arizona-led study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that PFAS contamination in drinking water imposes annual social costs of at least $8 billion in the contiguous U.S., encompassing medical care, long-term health impacts, and reduced lifetime earnings. This study specifically examined births in New Hampshire between 2010 and 2019, revealing higher rates of infant mortality, preterm births, and low birth weight among mothers whose water sources were downstream from PFAS-contaminated sites.

The sources of PFAS contamination are diverse. A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives identified a growing trend of PFAS being intentionally added to U.S. Pesticide products, as well as contamination occurring through leaching from fluorinated storage containers. These pesticides are used on common food crops like corn, wheat, kale, spinach, apples, and strawberries, and also in residential products such as flea treatments for pets and insect-killing sprays. This widespread use contributes to the contamination of waterways and potential human exposure.

Public awareness of the risks posed by PFAS is growing, as evidenced by the Pew Charitable Trusts survey. The survey found that five out of six adults in the United States want the federal government and industry to do more to protect them from toxic chemicals. This demand for action comes as regulatory efforts to address PFAS contamination are gaining momentum. In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new limits on PFAS in drinking water, aiming to tackle contamination at its source.

However, challenges remain. The current pesticide regulatory framework, according to researchers at the Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Working Group and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, is not adequately equipped to identify and assess the risks of PFAS in pesticides. The study found that 14 percent of all U.S. Pesticide active ingredients are PFAS, including nearly one-third of those approved in the past decade. The presence of complex mixtures of PFAS in pesticide products complicates risk assessment.

Beyond PFAS, other environmental health concerns are also emerging. An investigation by Verite News in New Orleans revealed pervasive lead contamination in playground soil, water pipes, and old paint, posing significant risks, particularly to children. Similarly, a new report indicates that emissions from data centers can contribute to breathing issues and premature deaths for those living nearby. These findings underscore the importance of addressing a wide range of environmental hazards to protect public health.

On the infectious disease front, the H5N1 bird flu virus has been confirmed in California elephant seals for the first time, following devastating outbreaks in South American seal populations. Health experts are also warning that the 2025-26 flu season may extend into the spring months, tracking with historical trends. Projections from the American Heart Association suggest that heart disease will affect 6 out of 10 women by 2050, and that the onset of the disease will occur at younger ages.

Finally, a multistate outbreak of infant botulism has been linked to powdered infant formula, prompting a Class I recall – the FDA’s most severe classification – for nearly 60,000 pounds of frozen blueberries potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. These incidents highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety and public health monitoring.