A new US study adds new evidence that chemicals can permanently impair the body’s ability to fight infections, and may have stronger effects in vulnerable groups.
Growing evidence suggests that exposure to PFAS, widely known as the “forever chemicals,” can weaken the immune system in adults, according to a new study from Michigan State University.
The findings raise concerns about the long-term health effects of these persistent environmental pollutants, especially as regulatory efforts continue to evolve.
Persistent chemicals with long-term effects
PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and firefighting foam.
These are sometimes called eternal chemicals because they are resistant to degradation both in the environment and in the human body. Some compounds can remain in the bloodstream for years.
One of the chemicals highlighted in this study, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), can remain in the body for nearly 10 years. Their long lifespan makes them a useful indicator of long-term exposure, causing particular concern among researchers studying cumulative health risks.
Study reveals decreased antibody response
The study focused on individuals who had past exposure to PFAS through contaminated drinking water.
Scientists observed that participants with higher concentrations of these chemicals in their blood produced fewer antibodies when faced with a new viral infection.
Antibodies are the core of the body’s immune defenses, identifying and neutralizing harmful pathogens. A decreased antibody response suggests that the immune system may be less able to mount an effective defense against infection.
This study provides a clearer picture than previous studies, which often yielded inconsistent results due to difficulty separating PFAS exposure from previous immune responses. By looking at how the body responds to the new virus, researchers were able to assess immune function more directly.
Stronger effects in certain populations
The analysis showed that the effects of PFAS on immune responses were not uniform across all groups.
The decrease in antibody production was most pronounced in older people, men, and people with higher body weight.
These groups are also more likely to carry high levels of PFAS, suggesting a combined effect of intersecting both exposure and susceptibility.
Although this study focused on adults, previous research has already established a link between PFAS exposure and immune dysfunction in children. New discoveries extend these concerns across the lifespan.
Real-world exposure and public health implications
Communities affected by contaminated water supplies have played a central role in understanding the health risks associated with PFAS. In areas where industrial pollution has entered drinking water systems, residents often experience long-term exposure without immediately noticing it.
Such cases have drawn attention to potential downstream effects, such as reduced vaccine efficacy and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases.
Researchers note that while PFAS exposure is widespread, it is not inevitable. Drinking water remains one of the most important pathways and an important target for intervention.
The regulatory landscape is still evolving
The study results come amid an ongoing policy debate in the United States over how to regulate PFAS in drinking water.
Federal authorities introduced the first enforceable limits on certain PFAS compounds in 2024, but timelines and enforcement mechanisms continue to change.
Scientists say the latest evidence supports the need for stricter controls and continued monitoring. Reducing PFAS levels in water supplies is considered one of the most effective strategies to reduce population exposure.
Continuing research areas
Despite increased clarity, questions remain about the full range of PFAS-related health effects.
Researchers emphasize the need for long-term studies to better understand how chronic exposure interacts with aging, metabolic factors, and immune resilience.
But what is becoming more clear is that these chemicals may have broader biological effects than previously understood, including the potential to weaken the immune system in adults.
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