Can PFAS from nonstick pans and food wrappers get into your unborn baby's kidneys?

What's actually in it

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food wrappers, and many household products. These "forever chemicals" build up in your blood over time. During pregnancy, PFAS cross the placenta and reach the developing baby, including the kidneys that are just starting to form.

What the research says

A 2026 review in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf examined the evidence on how prenatal and early-life PFAS exposure affects kidney development. The review found that PFAS can disrupt normal kidney formation during pregnancy. Lab studies showed that these chemicals damage kidney cells, cause inflammation, and interfere with the signaling pathways kidneys need to develop properly.

Human studies backed this up, finding that babies born to mothers with higher PFAS levels showed signs of kidney stress in early childhood. The damage may not show symptoms right away but could lead to kidney problems later in life.

To reduce PFAS exposure during pregnancy, avoid nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, and stain-resistant treatments on furniture and clothing. Use a reverse osmosis water filter to remove PFAS from your drinking water.