Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of thousands of synthetic compounds commonly known as “persistent chemicals.” It is used in non-stick coatings, water-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging, cleaning products and plastics.
These substances have extremely strong molecular bonds, so they are difficult to break down in nature. PFAS pollution is now being detected more and more frequently in water, soil and living tissues, while some types of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, obesity, infertility and hormonal imbalances.
Some older types of PFAS, such as PFOS, PFOA and PFHS, were phased out globally under the 2001 Stockholm Convention. But since then, new types of PFAS have been introduced for use in new areas, such as AI data centers.
The responsible author of the study is Prof. Xiangwei Li makes the following assessment:
“We have shown that some persistent chemicals, such as PFNA and PFOSA, accelerate biological aging. Middle-aged men appear to be the most vulnerable group. These findings suggest that next-generation PFAS alternatives may not be as low-risk as thought and should be taken seriously in terms of their environmental impact.”
How was the research done?
Researchers analyzed data from 326 randomly selected adults who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 1999–2000.
Blood samples were taken from the participants and blood levels of 11 different PFAS were measured. At the same time, the DNA methylome was examined. Participants also completed surveys containing lifestyle and socioeconomic information.
By applying DNA methylation data to 12 different “epigenetic clock” algorithms, the researchers estimated each individual’s biological age. Previous studies have shown that higher levels of PFAS in the blood may be associated with faster biological aging.
Findings
PFNA and PFOSA were detected in the blood of 95% of the participants. It was observed that the rate of epigenetic aging increased significantly as PFNA and PFOSA levels increased, especially in men between the ages of 50 and 64. This relationship was not observed in women.
In contrast, no significant relationship was found between other types of PFAS such as EPAH, MPAH, PFHS, PFOA and PFOS and biological age.
Researchers note that the effect of persistent chemicals on aging varies by compound and that regulations should not only be limited to traditional PFASs but also include PFNA and PFOSA.
Why especially middle-aged men?
The first author of the study is Dr. According to Ya-Qian Xu, middle age is a period when the body becomes more sensitive to the stressors of aging. This may lead to a stronger biological response to chemical exposures.
Prof. Li comments as follows:
“Aging indicators are strongly influenced by lifestyle factors, especially smoking. The fact that these factors are more common in men may increase the harmful effects of pollutants.”
Regulations and recommendations
France recently banned all use of PFAS in clothing and cosmetics. A similar ban is being considered for certain areas of use throughout the European Union.
Researchers offer the following suggestions to reduce risk at the individual level:
Reducing packaged food consumption and not heating fast food packages in the microwave.
Li also emphasizes that the interaction of PFAS with other common pollutants is also being studied and that the cumulative health risks of chemical mixtures need to be understood.
