Study links prenatal Pfas exposure to later PMOS development
6 reported
New research published in a peer-reviewed study led by Harvard University has for the first time linked prenatal exposure to Pfas “forever chemicals” with the development of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) later in life. The study examined about 325 mother-daughter pairs in the Boston area who are part of Project Viva, a study started in 1999. Mothers with higher Pfas levels in their blood during pregnancy were more likely to have a daughter with PMOS and moderate-to-severe acne by their later teenage years. The findings suggest chemical exposure may be a main driver of the disease, the authors said, though they stressed that more research is needed. The study builds on previous research linking Pfas to PMOS and other hormonal problems, but is the first to examine prenatal exposure impacts. The authors cautioned that the study has a small sample size and was overrepresented by white and college-educated women.
What’s reported
PMOS, formerly known as PCOS, is estimated to impact about 13% of women, with many cases undiagnosed.
The study looked at about 325 mother-daughter pairs from the Boston area, part of Project Viva.
Teens with mothers who had higher Pfas levels at birth were 2.3 to 2.7 times more likely to develop PMOS or acne.
A correlation was found between the disease and elevated levels of the N-EtFOSAA compound, which can break down into Pfos.
Another compound, PFNA, was associated with higher odds of moderate-to-severe acne.
Pfas are a class of at least 16,000 compounds used to make products water-, stain-, and grease-resistant, linked to cancer, birth defects, and other health problems.
Key figures
Tasha Stoiber, senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group non-profit, who reviewed the study but was not an author.
Sources: The Guardian
