Can cow's milk expose babies and toddlers to PFOA?

What's actually in it

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a PFAS "forever chemical" that was used for decades in nonstick coatings, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics. Even though it's been phased out of most products, PFOA persists in soil and water. Dairy cows drink contaminated water and eat contaminated feed, and the chemical concentrates in their milk.

Babies and toddlers drink a lot of milk relative to their body weight. A toddler who drinks two to three cups of milk a day may be getting a steady dose of PFOA with every glass.

What the research says

A 2026 systematic review in J Appl Toxicol gathered data from studies worldwide on PFOA contamination in cow's milk and calculated exposure levels for children. The review confirmed that PFOA is consistently detected in commercial milk and that early-life dietary exposure through milk consumption is a real concern.

Young children face the highest risk because of their high milk intake per kilogram of body weight. The review found that in some regions, milk alone could push a toddler's PFOA intake close to or above the safe limits set by health agencies.

PFOA has been linked to thyroid problems, immune suppression, and developmental delays in children. The chemical doesn't break down in the body quickly, so each glass of milk adds to a growing total. Choosing milk from farms in areas with low PFAS contamination, or opting for organic dairy, may help reduce exposure.