Are PFAS and heavy metals in early life cutting into school-age lung function?

What's actually in it

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals often used to make products water or stain-resistant. They don't break down, meaning they stay in the environment and your body for a long time. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, or cadmium are naturally occurring but toxic elements that can contaminate our air, water, and food supply.

These substances are often found in everyday items, from nonstick cookware and food packaging to household dust and contaminated water. When children are exposed to these mixtures early in life, they can interfere with normal development, including the growth of their lungs.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Res found that exposure to PFAS and heavy metals during early life is directly associated with lower lung function in school-age children. This suggests that these pollutants may cause lasting damage to respiratory health during critical developmental windows.

Further evidence comes from a 2026 study in Am J Epidemiol, which looked at the impact of metal mixtures during early pregnancy. The researchers found clear links between these exposures and reduced lung function, as well as higher rates of asthma in mid-childhood. This peer-reviewed research confirms that the chemical environment a child is exposed to before and shortly after birth plays a major role in their long-term ability to breathe easily.