Is prenatal exposure to PFAS harmful to child development?

What's actually in it

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals often called forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment or your body. They are used to make products resistant to water, grease, and stains.

These chemicals easily cross the placenta during pregnancy. Once they reach the developing fetus, they can interfere with critical growth processes. Because they build up over time, even low levels of exposure can be a concern for long-term health.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Res looked at how exposure to different types of PFAS during pregnancy affects young children. The researchers found that prenatal exposure to both long-chain and short-chain PFAS is linked to lower scores in cognitive development.

This study adds to the growing body of peer-reviewed science showing that these chemicals are not safe for a developing baby. When a fetus is exposed to these substances, it can change how the brain develops and functions in the first few years of life.