Are PFAS in pregnancy tied to preeclampsia risk?

What's actually in it

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used to make products resist heat, oil, and water. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment or your body. They are found in everything from nonstick cookware to food packaging and even biosolids used in the food supply, according to a 2026 study in Lancet Oncol.

When you are pregnant, these chemicals can pass through your body and have been found in human milk, as noted in a 2026 review in Environ Res. Even the newer chemicals marketed as "PFAS alternatives" may not be any better. A 2026 study in Chem Biol Interact suggests these replacements carry their own risks for high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Res specifically looked at the link between PFAS and preeclampsia. The researchers found a direct association between these chemicals and the risk of developing this dangerous condition during pregnancy.

The science is clear that these chemicals are not inert. They interact with your body in ways that can lead to serious health issues. Whether it is the original PFAS or the new "safer" alternatives, peer-reviewed research indicates that they are linked to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. These chemicals are pervasive, and the best way to protect yourself is to limit your exposure to the products that contain them.