PFAS Forever Chemicals Linked to Higher Childhood Leukemia Risk

Early Exposure to PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Linked to Higher Childhood Leukemia Risk

A new study led by researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) has found that early exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” is associated with an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. The findings, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, add to growing evidence linking PFAS exposure to adverse health outcomes in children.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foams. Due to their resistance to degradation, these chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Study Design and Key Findings

The UC Irvine-led research team analyzed dried blood spots collected from newborns in Los Angeles County between 2000, and 2015. The study included 125 children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 219 children without cancer, all identified through the California Linkage Study of Early-onset Cancers.

The researchers found that higher levels of two well-known PFAS chemicals—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)—were associated with an increased risk of ALL. The study identified previously unknown PFAS compounds that may also contribute to leukemia risk, though further research is needed to confirm these findings.

“This study provides compelling evidence that early-life exposure to PFAS may play a role in the development of childhood leukemia,” said the research team in their published findings. “Given the widespread presence of these chemicals in drinking water, consumer products, and the environment, these results underscore the need for urgent public health action to reduce exposure.”

Building on Previous Research

The new study builds on earlier work by the same UC Irvine team, which tracked PFAS exposure in drinking water among more than 40,000 California children. That research, published in Environmental Epidemiology, linked higher levels of PFOA and PFOS to increased risks of several childhood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia and Wilms tumor.

The consistent findings across multiple studies suggest a potential causal relationship between PFAS exposure and childhood cancer, though researchers emphasize that more work is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved. Observational studies like these cannot definitively prove causation, but they provide critical evidence for regulatory and public health decision-making.

Public Health Implications

PFAS contamination is a global issue, with these chemicals detected in drinking water supplies, soil, and even human bloodstreams worldwide. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to regulate certain PFAS compounds, including setting health advisory levels for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. However, advocates argue that current regulations do not go far enough to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.

The UC Irvine findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting stricter limits on PFAS in consumer products and drinking water. Public health experts are calling for expanded monitoring of PFAS exposure, particularly in communities with known contamination, as well as increased funding for research into the long-term health effects of these chemicals.

“Children are especially vulnerable to environmental toxins due to their developing immune systems and higher exposure rates relative to body weight,” noted the researchers. “Reducing PFAS exposure during pregnancy and early childhood could be a critical step in preventing childhood cancers and other serious health conditions.”

What Comes Next?

While the study provides strong evidence of an association between PFAS exposure and childhood leukemia, researchers caution that more work is needed to establish a definitive causal link. Future studies will likely focus on identifying the biological mechanisms by which PFAS may contribute to cancer development, as well as assessing the risks posed by newer, less-studied PFAS compounds.

In the meantime, public health agencies are urging parents and caregivers to take steps to reduce PFAS exposure where possible. This includes using water filters certified to remove PFAS, avoiding nonstick cookware and stain-resistant products labeled as containing “forever chemicals,” and choosing PFAS-free food packaging when available.

The UC Irvine study serves as a critical reminder of the potential health risks posed by environmental contaminants and the importance of continued research to protect public health, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

For more information on PFAS and childhood health risks, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites.