Can PFAS exposure weaken how well vaccines work in babies?

What's actually in it

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals. They're used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and some baby products. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment or in your body.

Babies are exposed to PFAS through breast milk, formula mixed with contaminated water, food that touched PFAS-treated packaging, and household dust from stain-treated carpets and furniture. Because babies are so small, even tiny amounts create high concentrations in their blood.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology measured PFAS levels in infants' blood and compared them to how well the babies responded to the measles vaccine.

Infants with higher PFAS levels produced fewer antibodies after vaccination. That means the vaccine worked less effectively in their bodies. Antibodies are what protect you from getting sick after a vaccine. Fewer antibodies means less protection.

PFAS are known to suppress the immune system. They interfere with how immune cells communicate and respond to threats. In a baby whose immune system is still developing, that suppression can be especially damaging.

This isn't the first study to find this link, but it adds to growing evidence that PFAS don't just affect adults. They can undermine one of the most basic health interventions we give babies: vaccines.

To reduce your baby's PFAS exposure, avoid nonstick cookware with Teflon-type coatings, stain-resistant baby clothing and bibs, and food packaging with grease-proof linings (like some fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags). Use a water filter rated for PFAS removal if your tap water is contaminated.