Prenatal PFAS and PCB Exposure Affects Kids' Attention at Age 6

Cord blood taken at birth told the story six years later. Children whose umbilical cord blood had higher levels of PCBs showed more attention failures at age 6. Boys also showed reduced working memory and worse planning ability. The exposure happened before birth, and the effects showed up in the classroom.

What the study measured

A 2026 study in the Journal of the Endocrine Society followed 55 children from a Belgian birth cohort. Researchers measured PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in cord blood at delivery. At age 6, the same children completed neuropsychological tests measuring attention, working memory, and behavioral regulation.

Boys with higher PCB exposure made more attention errors. Boys with higher combined PCB and PFAS exposure showed reduced working memory and planning. Girls with higher combined exposure showed reduced behavioral inhibition. The effects were sex-specific but present across both.

Where PCBs and PFAS come from

PCBs were banned in the US in 1979, but they persist in the food supply, especially fatty fish, meat, and dairy. PFAS are still used today in nonstick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and water-resistant clothing.

During pregnancy, what you eat and what cookware you use directly affects what reaches the baby. Cast iron and stainless steel cookware eliminate PFAS exposure from nonstick coatings. Browse PFAS-free cookware alternatives and check non-toxic home essentials for stain-resistant textiles made without PFAS.

Source: Barrea C et al. (2026). Journal of the Endocrine Society.