Newborns Exposed to Higher Levels of ‘Forever Chemicals’ Than Previously Thought
Babies are entering the world with a significantly higher chemical burden than scientists previously suspected. New research reveals that newborns are exposed to a broader array of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” before birth than earlier testing methods could detect.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment or the human body 1. They are used in a wide variety of products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foam.
Comprehensive PFAS Analysis Reveals Wider Exposure
Researchers utilized a cutting-edge analytical method to scan umbilical cord blood samples from 120 babies born between 2003 and 2006 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Unlike traditional tests that focus on a limited number of known PFAS compounds, this new approach screened for thousands of substances simultaneously 2.
The results demonstrated the presence of 42 types of PFAS in the cord blood, including many newer compounds that are poorly understood and rarely monitored. Babies were exposed to a range of PFAS, including perfluorinated chemicals, polyfluorinated chemicals, and fluorotelomers.
Implications for Understanding Prenatal Exposure
“Our findings suggest that how we measure PFAS really matters,” said Shelley Liu, an associate professor at Mount Sinai and lead author of the study 1. “When we look more comprehensively, we see that babies are exposed to far more PFAS chemicals before birth than we previously realized — and some of the patterns we thought we understood may change.”
Prenatal exposure is a significant concern, as pregnancy is a critical period for development. Previous studies have linked PFAS exposure to adverse health outcomes, including lower birth weights, preterm births, and weakened immune responses to childhood vaccines 1.
Future Directions and Clinical Implications
By identifying the extent of PFAS exposure, researchers aim to better understand the long-term health effects on children as they grow. “Our study helps show that prenatal PFAS exposure is more complex and widespread than earlier studies suggested,” Liu explained 1. “Understanding the full picture is essential if we want to protect child health and reduce preventable environmental risks.”
Currently, doctors do not routinely test for PFAS during pregnancy. This research could potentially lead to broader clinical measurement and the identification of at-risk populations, as well as strategies to reduce exposure.
PFAS in Everyday Products
It’s important to note that PFAS are not limited to industrial sources. They are also commonly found in consumer products, including cosmetics 3, 4 raising concerns about potential exposure through everyday use.
SOURCES: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, news release, Feb. 18, 2026; Environmental Science & Technology, Feb. 18, 2026