Can PFOS from old nonstick cookware harm a developing baby's brain?

What's actually in it

PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) is one of the original "forever chemicals." It was a key ingredient in Teflon coatings, Scotchgard fabric protectors, and some food packaging. While PFOS was phased out of production in the U.S. in the early 2000s, it's still around. It lingers in older nonstick pans, in tap water, and in everyone's bloodstream at some level because it never breaks down.

If you still have nonstick cookware from before 2010, it likely contains PFOS. The chemical also builds up in drinking water, especially near industrial sites and military bases. Pregnant women pass PFOS to their babies through the placenta and later through breast milk.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety exposed developing animals to PFOS and then examined their brains and behavior. The researchers looked at gene activity in two key brain regions: the nucleus accumbens (which handles motivation and reward) and the prefrontal cortex (which controls planning and decision-making).

PFOS exposure changed the expression of hundreds of genes in both brain areas. These weren't random changes. They affected pathways tied to how brain cells communicate, how they handle stress, and how they process dopamine, the chemical behind motivation and learning.

The exposed animals also performed worse on cognitive tests. Their ability to learn and make decisions was measurably impaired. The researchers used a mediation analysis to connect the gene changes directly to the cognitive problems, showing a clear chain from chemical exposure to altered brain wiring to impaired thinking.

To reduce exposure, replace any old nonstick cookware made before 2010. Use stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated pans instead. If you're pregnant or nursing, check whether your water supply has been tested for PFAS and consider a filter certified to remove them.