A new study found that even low levels of prenatal PFA exposure from chemicals commonly referred to as “eternal chemicals” can significantly destroy the development of the infant’s immune system.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) monitored a pair of 200 healthy mothers and found that PFAS compounds pass through the placenta, infecting them via breast milk, affecting the baby’s serious immune pathways.
This study adds many studies linking PFA exposure to long-term health effects, highlighting the importance of minimizing exposure at critical times of early development.
PFA explained
One person and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are synthetic chemicals found in thousands of consumer products, including non-stick cooking utensils, food packaging, waterproof clothing, and even personal care items.
Known for its environmental and persistence to the human body, these chemicals have long been linked to health risks, but this new study has subtle and early effects on infant immunity.
Immune cell shifts observed in the first year of life
The URMC research team measured maternal PFAS levels during pregnancy and analyzed infant blood samples at birth, six months and one year.
The results were noticeable. By 12 months, babies whose mothers had babies with high levels of PFA in the blood during pregnancy showed significant imbalance in the immune cell population.
Specifically, these infants had a significantly reduced number of T-follicle helper (TFH) cells. TFH cells are important to help B cells produce potent, long-term antibodies. This is an important part of a healthy immune response.
At the same time, infants showed increased levels of TH2, Th1, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), each of which was associated with potential immune-related complications when they were present in excess.
Increases in TH2 and Tregs are associated with allergic inflammation and immunosuppression, whereas elevated TH1 raises concerns about future autoimmunity issues.
Vaccine response and long-term health impacts
A decrease in the number of TFH cells can explain previously observed weak vaccine responses in children exposed to higher levels of PFA.
These cells are essential for developing immune memory against vaccines such as tetanus and measles. If these immune building blocks change early in life, their effects can last long.
While increased TH2 and Treg cells suggest greater sensitivity to allergies and effective immune defense, too many TH1 cells may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as later-life type 1 diabetes and larval arthritis.
The infancy’s immune system is a delicate balance act, and prenatal PFA exposure may tilt the scale at critical stages.
How families can reduce the risk of PFA
While urban water in Rochester is compliant with federal government safety limits, PFA is still found in many everyday products.
In particular, mothers in this study had relatively low PFA compared to the national average, but infant immune effects were still significant.
Families can take aggressive steps to reduce PFA exposure, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood.
Switching to stainless steel or cast iron cookware, avoiding scratching or damaged nonstick pans, removing PFA and using certified water filters, or storing food in glass or ceramic containers will result in lower exposure levels.
Continuous research and monitoring
The URMC team plans to pursue children in early childhood to see if these immunity changes will last and lead to greater sensitivity to illness, allergies, or autoimmune conditions.
The aim of future research is to measure PFA directly in infants and to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind immune destruction.
As the health effects of prenatal PFA exposure become more clear, this study highlights the urgent need for public health strategies to minimize prenatal exposure and monitor vulnerable populations.
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