A recent study has revealed that PFAS levels in expectant mothers may influence the structural and functional development of their children’s brains.
The investigation, led by researchers at the University of Turku in Finland, in collaboration with Turku University Hospital and Örebro University in Sweden, suggests that chemicals known as PFAS –commonly called ‘forever chemicals’ – may influence how children’s brains develop before birth.
The research, conducted within Finland’s FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, provides fresh insights into the potential long-term impacts of these widespread environmental chemicals.
The dangers of PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in everyday products that resist water, oil, heat, and electricity.
They are found in items ranging from non-stick cookware and clothing to food packaging, flooring, and firefighting foams.
Often called forever chemicals, PFAS are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment for centuries, infiltrating soil, water, and air.
Humans are exposed to PFAS primarily through drinking water, food, and sometimes occupational contact. Once in the bloodstream, these compounds accumulate, as the human body cannot efficiently break them down.
Over the past decade, elevated PFAS levels in blood have been linked to hormonal, metabolic, and immune system disruptions, raising public and regulatory concern.
Linking maternal PFAS to brain development
The research examined 51 mother–child pairs from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort, a longitudinal study launched in 2011.
Blood samples from mothers during pregnancy were analysed to determine PFAS levels, while children underwent multimodal MRI scans at age five to assess brain structure and function.
Findings showed a clear connection between maternal PFAS levels and changes in key regions of the children’s brains.
These included the corpus callosum, which connects the two hemispheres; the posterior grey matter in the occipital lobe, important for visual processing; and the hypothalamus, which regulates hormonal and metabolic functions.
Interestingly, no differences were observed between boys and girls, suggesting that PFAS exposure may affect brain development regardless of sex.
Different PFAS, different impacts
The study also highlighted that not all PFAS have the same effects. Seven different compounds were measured, and some were linked to structural changes while others appeared to influence functional connectivity in the brain. Certain PFAS even had opposing associations with the same brain region.
PFAS were categorised into two chemical groups based on their functional structure: carboxylic acid and sulphonic acid. Most associations with brain outcomes were stronger for carboxylate-containing PFAS, except in the hypothalamus.
Unclear implications for health
While PFAS can cross the placenta and accumulate in the developing brain, researchers caution that it remains uncertain whether the observed changes are harmful, neutral, or potentially even beneficial.
Further studies are needed to clarify the functional consequences of prenatal PFAS exposure on children’s neurodevelopment.
Growing public and regulatory concern
With PFAS now ubiquitous in both the environment and human blood, there is increasing scientific and policy interest in regulating these chemicals.
Evidence linking maternal PFAS levels to possible impacts on brain development underscores the urgency of monitoring exposure, particularly during pregnancy, and exploring safer alternatives in consumer products.
