"Forever chemicals" found in everyday items may accelerate aging

The Persistent Chemicals All Around Us

Imagine that particles from the skillet you use for dinner could remain in your body for years. This isn’t science fiction. Many common products in our homes, schools, and offices contain chemicals called PFAS. They’re nicknamed “forever chemicals.”

What do they do? They make objects durable, water-repellent, and heat-resistant. Nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets, waterproof jackets, and even some food containers are often treated with them. These properties may seem convenient, but scientists are increasingly concerned about the consequences when these substances enter the human body.

A Long-Known Health Risk

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, live up to their nickname. They are designed to resist degradation, allowing them to persist for a long time in the environment and in the human body. Once they seep into the soil, water, or our bodies, they can remain there for a very long time. This longevity, so valuable to industry, poses serious health problems.

Researchers have already established links between exposure to PFAS and several health problems. These include certain types of cancer, obesity, infertility, and hormonal disruptions. In response to these risks, international action has been taken. In 2001, the Stockholm Convention targeted first-generation PFAS, such as PFOS and PFOA, with the aim of phasing them out. However, manufacturers have replaced them with new versions. This raises the question: are these substitutes truly safer?

A New Study That Changes the Perspective

Until now, most research has focused on specific diseases. A new study, published in the journal Frontiers in Aging, has approached the problem from a different angle. Rather than investigating whether PFAS cause a particular disease, the researchers explored a more fundamental hypothesis: could they accelerate the aging process itself?

This research was led by Dr. Xiangwei Li and his colleagues at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM). The team analyzed data from 326 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2000. For each participant, a blood sample was collected and tested for the presence of 11 different PFAS chemicals.

How is biological age measured?

The research team did not simply measure chemical levels. They also examined the DNA methylome—tiny chemical markers on our DNA that help regulate how our genes function. These molecular markers can reveal how quickly the body is aging from the inside, beyond just outward appearance.

To estimate what they call biological age, scientists use specific tools called “epigenetic clocks.” This biological age may differ from our actual age—the one we count in years. If biological age is higher than chronological age, it may mean that the body is aging faster than normal. Accelerated aging is often associated with a higher risk of developing diseases later in life.

Two Substances Under Particular Scrutiny

When researchers compared PFAS levels with markers of biological aging, two chemicals stood out. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) were detected in 95% of participants. The study revealed that higher levels of these two compounds were linked to accelerated biological aging.

The most pronounced effect was observed in men aged 50 to 64. Surprisingly, women did not show the same clear pattern. This result surprised the researchers and raised new questions about how different organisms respond to chemical exposure.

Dr. Li summarized the findings by issuing a clear warning: “We show here that specific persistent chemicals—namely, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA)—appear to accelerate biological aging, with middle-aged men being the most vulnerable group.”

The Mystery of Middle-Aged Men

The study also showed that not all PFAS have the same impact. Other common PFAS, found in most participants, did not show a strong link to faster aging. Furthermore, overall PFAS levels were similar in men and women. This suggests that the specific type of chemical is more important than the total amount present in the blood.

But why are middle-aged men more affected? The researchers have several theories. “The 50s are a sensitive biological window when the body becomes more susceptible to age-related stressors, which may explain why this group reacts more strongly to chemical exposure,” explained Dr. Ya-Qian Xu, the study’s first author.

Dr. Li added another hypothesis: “We suspect that men may be at higher risk because the aging markers we analyzed are strongly influenced by lifestyle factors such as smoking, which can exacerbate the harmful effects of these pollutants.” The combination of chemical exposure and certain lifestyle habits could therefore amplify the damage.

How should we respond to this invisible threat?

Faced with mounting evidence, countries are beginning to take action. France, for example, has banned PFAS in clothing and cosmetics. The European Union is considering imposing further restrictions. These measures reflect growing concern about PFAS, whether old or new.

Experts say regulators should not focus solely on well-known legacy pollutants. Compounds such as PFNA and PFOSA also require special attention. “These findings suggest that some of the new alternatives to PFAS are not necessarily low-risk substitutes and warrant serious consideration regarding their environmental impact,” Dr. Li emphasized.

In the meantime, Dr. Li suggests that individuals can take a few steps to reduce risks: “limit their consumption of packaged foods and avoid microwaving fast-food containers.” Research is actively ongoing, particularly to understand the cumulative effects of these mixtures of chemicals on our long-term health.

Source: earth.com

"Forever chemicals" found in everyday items may accelerate aging