Scientists have found that chemicals known as PFAS, which are found in many everyday items, may affect how strong a teen’s bones become.
PFAS are man‑made substances that do not break down easily. Because they stay in the environment for a long time, they can end up in drinking water, food, and many products we use. Researchers call them “forever chemicals.”
In a recent study, researchers measured PFAS levels in the blood of 218 children at birth and again when they were 3, 8, and 12 years old. When the kids turned 12, the scientists checked how dense their forearm bones were.
The results showed that teens with higher amounts of a PFAS chemical called PFOA had weaker forearm bones. For other PFAS chemicals, the impact on bone strength depended on when the child was exposed. The effect was strongest in girls compared to boys.
These findings suggest that early exposure to PFAS could have lasting effects on bone health. Reducing PFAS in drinking water and consumer products may help children develop stronger bones that last a lifetime.
The research was a collaboration between several universities and public‑health institutions, and it was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.