A study led by the University of California, Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health announced on April 27 found that early exposure to PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals,’ may be associated with a higher risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.
The research highlights concerns about PFAS compounds, which are widely used and do not break down easily in the environment or human body. The findings suggest that these substances could play a role in increasing cancer risk among children.
Researchers analyzed dried blood spots from newborns collected between 2000 and 2015 in Los Angeles County. The study included 125 children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 219 without cancer. Among the PFAS detected, PFOA and PFOS were found at the highest levels. Children with greater concentrations had increased odds of developing leukemia, though researchers noted that their estimates were not precise due to small sample sizes.
“This research moves us closer to understanding what babies are exposed to from the very start by directly measuring PFAS present at birth, rather than estimating exposure from drinking water,” said Veronica Vieira, chair and professor of environmental and occupational health at Wen Public Health. “By capturing exposures during a critical window of development, we are gaining a clearer picture of how environmental contaminants may contribute to childhood cancer risk.” The study also identified additional rarely studied PFAS compounds showing similar patterns.
The authors caution that while their work does not prove cause and effect, it adds evidence linking early-life PFAS exposure with increased childhood cancer risk. They say further studies are needed as most types of these chemicals remain unmonitored but continue to contaminate environments worldwide.
University of California Irvine is part of the University of California system according to its official website. It participates in NCAA Division I athletics as the Anteaters according to its official website, has earned a Carnegie classification for very high research activity according to its official website, focuses on advancing knowledge through research, education and public service with an emphasis on inclusive excellence according to its official website, engages in international collaborations according to its official website, and holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission according to its official website.
Looking ahead, researchers emphasize the need for continued investigation into how persistent chemical contaminants affect children’s health.