Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Prenatal exposure to a class of dangerous, widely used chemicals could be linked to your child having high blood pressure as a teen, according to a new study. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS — sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t fully break down in the environment — are a class of about 15,000 human-made chemicals linked to cancers, endocrine-related conditions and developmental problems in children. New data shows the synthetic compounds could also be linked to a teen’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, according to the study published Thursday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers looked at data from 1,094 children over an average of 12 years. The study team compared measurements of eight types of PFAS chemicals in maternal plasma samples 24 to 72 hours after birth and the children’s blood pressure from medical records, according to the study. The kids who were exposed to higher levels of PFAS chemicals in utero were more likely to have higher blood pressure in childhood and adolescence, the research found. The connection was particularly strong in adolescents, male children and Black children, said senior study author Dr. Mingyu Zhang, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. High blood pressure in teens The study is observational, meaning that while it shows associations, it cannot prove that PFAS exposure is the cause of the elevated blood pressure, Zhang said. While researchers did adjust for other factors that could be at play, there could be other elements driving the connection between PFAS and blood pressure, he added. That said, the results are strong because this study is one of the largest and most diverse while also using rigorous methods, said Dr. Carmen Marsit, Rollins Distinguished Professor of Research at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta. He was not involved in the research. The topic is important to investigate because if a child has high blood pressure, they are more likely to also have higher blood pressure later on, Zhang said. And that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. The largest effects were shown in adolescents who were exposed to a mixture of different PFAS chemicals during pregnancy compared with those who were not, which implies that there may be a synergistic impact on cardiometabolic health, Marsit said. “Most children will be exposed to multiple different PFAS chemicals, so this is worrisome,” he said. The fact that adolescence is the age when prenatal exposure to PFAS is most linked with higher blood pressure suggests that some of the PFAS chemicals could take a long period of time to show their impacts, Marsit said. A long latency of the effects would mean that people don’t just need to worry about reducing exposures, but interventions also need to be developed to prevent the health outcomes in people who were exposed earlier, he added. How to reduce your exposure to PFAS Not only are PFAS forever chemicals –– they also are everywhere chemicals. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that this class of chemicals can be found in nearly every person in the United States, Marsit said in a previous CNN story. There are things you can do to reduce your exposure, however, he added. Major sources of exposure include food, water, and waterproof or stain-resistant items, Marsit said. Helpful steps include drinking filtered water –– using filters like those listed by the Environmental Working Group –– out of metal or glass containers, he said. Plastics contain PFAS and other toxic chemicals, Marsit said. A focus on fresh food can also help, as packaging for foods are often coated in PFAS chemicals, he added. And avoid using nonstick cookware, opting instead for metal, cast-iron or ceramic pots and pans, he said. Dusting, vacuuming, and washing your hands before eating or drinking can also reduce PFAS exposure, Marsit said. Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of high blood pressure for children who have been exposed to PFAS, Zhang said. “These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, reducing salt intake, and encouraging physical activity,” he added. But ultimately, an individual cannot solve PFAS exposure alone, Zhang said. “We also need policy-level actions to limit and phase out PFAS use in products and industry, and to strengthen monitoring and regulation of PFAS in water systems,” he added.
PFAS exposure before birth could put your teen at risk for high blood pressure, study finds
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Links Prenatal PFAS Exposure to Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure in Adolescents"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates a concerning link between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals'—and the risk of high blood pressure in adolescents. PFAS, a group of approximately 15,000 synthetic chemicals that do not degrade easily in the environment, have been associated with various health issues, including cancers and developmental disorders. Researchers analyzed data from 1,094 children over an average period of 12 years, examining maternal plasma samples for PFAS levels shortly after birth and comparing these to the children's blood pressure records. The findings revealed that children exposed to higher levels of PFAS in utero were more likely to experience elevated blood pressure during their childhood and teenage years, with the strongest associations noted in adolescents, male children, and Black children, as highlighted by Dr. Mingyu Zhang, the senior study author from Harvard Medical School.
While the study identifies a correlation, it is observational and cannot definitively establish causation between PFAS exposure and increased blood pressure. However, the robust methodology and the diverse sample size enhance the credibility of the findings. The significant implications of high blood pressure in youth are concerning, as early hypertension can predispose individuals to cardiovascular diseases later in life, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. The research suggests that exposure to various PFAS chemicals during pregnancy has a cumulative effect on cardiometabolic health. Experts emphasize the importance of reducing PFAS exposure, which is prevalent in food, water, and various consumer products. Recommendations for minimizing exposure include using filtered water, opting for fresh foods over packaged items, and avoiding nonstick cookware. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can mitigate the risks for children already exposed to these chemicals. Experts also call for policy changes to phase out PFAS use in consumer products and enhance monitoring of water systems to protect public health.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents findings from a study that links prenatal exposure to PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to increased risks of high blood pressure in teenagers. This connection raises concerns about environmental health and the impacts of these chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. The implications of this study are significant, as they address public health issues and highlight risks associated with chemical exposure.
Implications of the Findings
The study indicates that exposure to PFAS in utero may lead to higher blood pressure in adolescents, particularly affecting males and Black children. This finding emphasizes the need for further research into the long-term health effects of these chemicals. The article underscores the importance of understanding environmental factors that contribute to health disparities among different demographic groups.
Public Perception and Awareness
By presenting the study's findings, the article aims to raise awareness about the potential dangers of PFAS and their impact on children's health. This could lead to increased public demand for regulatory changes to limit the use of these chemicals. The intention is likely to provoke concern among parents and communities regarding environmental safety and health, fostering a narrative that prioritizes preventive measures.
Potential for Hidden Agendas
It is possible that the article is part of a broader agenda to promote stricter environmental regulations or to advocate for public health initiatives. While the study's findings are based on observational data, the way the information is presented might lead some to believe there is a more direct causative relationship than is conclusively proven. This can create a sense of urgency that might overshadow the complexity of the issue.
Comparative Context
When compared to other health-related news, this article fits within a growing trend of reporting on environmental health issues. It aligns with similar studies and reports that emphasize the need for awareness and action regarding chemical exposures. Such narratives are increasingly relevant in discussions about public health, especially in light of rising concerns over environmental toxins.
Economic and Political Ramifications
If the findings lead to increased public concern, there could be economic implications for industries that rely on PFAS. Companies might face regulatory scrutiny and potential financial liabilities. Politically, this may spur legislative efforts to regulate PFAS and protect public health, creating a platform for advocacy around environmental issues.
Community Reactions
The article may resonate more with communities already concerned about environmental health, particularly those with higher incidences of related health issues. It speaks to parents and health advocates who are increasingly aware of the impacts of chemical exposures on health outcomes.
Market Influence
The implications of this study could affect stocks related to industries that manufacture or utilize PFAS. Investors may react to the potential for regulatory changes or lawsuits, altering market dynamics in sectors such as manufacturing, consumer goods, and healthcare.
Global Context
In the context of global health and environmental policy, this article contributes to the discourse on toxic chemical exposure. It reflects growing international concern over pollutants and their effects on health, aligning with global movements toward sustainability and public health advocacy.
Artificial Intelligence in Content Creation
There is a possibility that AI tools were used in crafting this article, particularly in data analysis or summarization of findings. The structured presentation and emphasis on key health issues suggest a systematic approach that could have been aided by AI models focused on health and environmental research.
The article appears to be a reliable source of information based on a significant study, but it is important to consider the limitations of observational research. While it raises critical health concerns, it may also employ language designed to elicit a strong emotional response. The focus on potential risks without definitive causation could lead to misunderstandings about the nature of PFAS exposure and health outcomes.
Overall, the article is credible, yet readers should approach it with an understanding of the nuances in scientific research and the complexity of environmental health issues.