‘Forever chemicals' exposure before birth raises the risk of high blood pressure in teenage years
'Forever chemicals' may be taking their toll on our health before we are even born, new research suggests.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of chemicals used in everyday products like food packaging and non-stick cookware. They're known as 'forever chemicals' because they don't degrade easily and can build up in the environment – and in our bodies.
Scientists have detected PFAS in people's blood, breast milk, semen, livers, and even brains. They suspect these chemicals harm human health, with studies linking them to higher cholesterol, some cancers, and fertility problems, among other issues.
The new research adds another complication to that list: high blood pressure during adolescence.
Related
Forever chemicals: Brussels' mission to clean up Europe's water
The analysis followed more than 1,000 children in the US. It used maternal plasma collected shortly after they were born to identify their level of prenatal PFAS exposure, and matched it to doctors' records up until their 18th birthdays.
Prenatal exposure to PFAS was linked to a higher risk of developing high blood pressure later in childhood, particularly in the teenage years, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The findings indicate that 'these forever chemicals can have long-lasting and potentially harmful effects that may only become apparent years after birth,' Zeyu Li, the study's lead author and a researcher at Johns Hopkins University in the US, said in a statement.
The risk of elevated blood pressure was even higher for boys and Black children with higher PFAS levels at birth, the study found.
Related
How 'dangerous chemicals' detected in products in the EU could be impacting your health
In a surprise to researchers, a handful of forever chemicals were actually linked to lower diastolic, or bottom number, blood pressure in early childhood, though that changed when they entered their teenage years.
Evidence on the health effects of PFAS has been mixed so far.
While researchers believe these chemicals pose risks, it's difficult to pinpoint their exact impact because there are thousands of PFAS that could all interact in different ways, and because people's exposure changes over time.
Even so, Li said the latest study underscores the need for researchers to track people's health and their PFAS levels over a long period of time, from early childhood to adolescence and beyond.
Related
How to avoid 'forever chemicals': 5 items you should stop using to minimise exposure to PFAS
Meanwhile, Mingyu Zhang, the study's senior author and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, said stronger environmental protections are needed to protect people from PFAS, given they are so ubiquitous that people cannot meaningfully limit their exposure on their own.
That could include phasing out forever chemicals from consumer products and in industrial settings, he said, as well as better surveillance and limits on PFAS in water systems.
'This is not something individuals can solve on their own,' Zhang said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Researchers issue grim warning after making concerning discovery about ships in Arctic: 'Major drivers'
New research indicates that black carbon pollution — the soot-like planet-warming material released through the incomplete burning of fossil fuels — has reached higher levels in the Arctic than previously expected as a result of shipping activity in the area. While successful trading partnerships might bode well for the European Union and global markets, the number of ships in the Arctic is proving taxing for the environment. According to a late-May report from Euronews, previous studies have looked mostly at the emissions impacts from EU ships rather than also including impacts from other ships passing through the region, potentially skewing understanding of the industry's carbon footprint as effects continue to grow. "Our findings show that ships connected to EU trade, regardless of their flag, are major drivers of black carbon pollution in the Arctic," Liudmila Osipova, an International Council on Clean Transportation senior researcher, told the outlet. Euronews reported that estimates for the polar region point to a growth from less than 200 metric tons of black carbon in 2015 to over 400 in 2021 — over a 100% increase. Based on this trend, numbers are expected to rise further if pollution-heavy shipping activity persists. When it comes to black carbon, the major concern is its sheer potency in warming the planet. A single metric ton has the "global warming effect equivalent" to up to 900 metric tons of typical carbon dioxide, per Euronews. Higher levels of black carbon emissions in the polar region contribute substantially to Arctic ice melt — a phenomenon that could release long-frozen infectious microbes, sparking unprecedented disease outbreaks. Rising sea levels brought about by melting Arctic ice are also set to jeopardize coastal communities and exacerbate extreme weather. Events like hurricanes are part of life on Earth, but heat-trapping gases are supercharging their effects, with higher seas meaning storm surges can be more destructive and reach further inland than before. Accurately understanding a problem is generally the first step in addressing it. According to Euronews, prior black carbon estimates for the Arctic region have been projected well below the actual level, possibly misleading many to believe the issue hasn't been as serious as it actually is. Properly tracking emissions from all cargo ships — and funding research and development for more carbon-neutral ship technology — could be among the most beneficial steps forward. But municipalities and individuals will likely need to take further action in the short term. As ice sheets continue to melt, the resilience of homes to extreme weather can be improved with clean-energy upgrades, such as the installation of solar panels in conjunction with a battery system to maintain essential household power during grid outages. Clean-energy alternatives are becoming more widespread in communities too, and some municipal projects to protect coastal residents are moving forward even without full support at the national level. Other such initiatives around the world may require more prioritization and sustained investment to make a real difference. Learning about how to organize support for pro-environment policies could be a part of coordinating global efforts to mitigate the effects of international issues like shipping and supply chain impacts on human-caused climate change. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hamilton Spectator
10 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
David ‘Syd' Lawrence, England's first British-born Black cricketer, has died at 61
GLOUCESTER, England (AP) — David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died. He was 61. Lawrence's family made the announcement on Sunday with a statement through Gloucestershire, where Lawrence was the club president. He announced a year ago he had motor neurone disease. 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,' the family said. ''Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' He played five tests for England from 1988-92, taking 18 wickets. His international career prematurely ended at 28 when he broke his knee cap after falling awkwardly when running in to bowl against New Zealand on the final day of a test in Wellington. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the English county circuit, Lawrence was beginning to establish himself in tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Viv Richards among his haul. Lawrence also played a sole one-day international against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991, taking 4-67. For Gloucestershire, he grabbed 625 wickets in 280 matches. The England and India teams gave Lawrence a moment's silence on Sunday in Leeds before the third day's play in the first test. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After he detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021, and six months later he became the county's first Black president. Only last week, Lawrence received an MBE in King Charles III's birthday honors for outstanding services to cricket. At the time, he said, 'As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times. I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with motor neurone disease.' He was fundraising to fight MND as recently as Friday, when Gloucestershire honored him during a Twenty20 game. Lawrence was also recently named an honorary life vice president of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and chair Richard Thompson paid tribute. 'David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion,' Thompson said on Sunday. 'His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 'Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.' ___ AP cricket:
San Francisco Chronicle
10 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
David 'Syd' Lawrence, England's first British-born Black cricketer, has died at 61
GLOUCESTER, England (AP) — David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died. He was 61. Lawrence's family made the announcement on Sunday with a statement through Gloucestershire, where Lawrence was the club president. He announced a year ago he had motor neurone disease. 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,' the family said. "'Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' He played five tests for England from 1988-92, taking 18 wickets. His international career prematurely ended at 28 when he broke his knee cap after falling awkwardly when running in to bowl against New Zealand on the final day of a test in Wellington. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the English county circuit, Lawrence was beginning to establish himself in tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Viv Richards among his haul. For Gloucestershire, he grabbed 625 wickets in 280 matches. The England and India teams gave Lawrence a moment's silence on Sunday in Leeds before the third day's play in the first test. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After he detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021, and six months later he became the county's first Black president. At the time, he said, 'As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times. I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with motor neurone disease.' He was fundraising to fight MND as recently as Friday, when Gloucestershire honored him during a Twenty20 game. Lawrence was also recently named an honorary life vice president of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and chair Richard Thompson paid tribute. 'David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion,' Thompson said on Sunday. "His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 'Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.' ___
