Watan-A recent study published in early June in the Journal of the American Heart Association and discussed at the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) Conference in Boston, U.S., found that children exposed in the womb to so-called “forever chemicals” are more likely to develop high blood pressure during adolescence—particularly those born to Black mothers.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
“Forever chemicals” refer to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—synthetic compounds that do not easily break down and accumulate in the environment (air, soil, and drinking water). These chemicals are commonly used in household items like food packaging, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, and personal care products.
Though exposure is often minimal, constant contact leads to bioaccumulation in human tissues, posing long-term health risks. Everyone is affected—regardless of geographic location or income—but those closer to industrial zones are at higher risk.
Prior research shows people absorb these chemicals through food, water, air, and even skin contact. Critically, fetuses can be exposed during pregnancy, which may cause birth defects or increase the risk of chronic diseases in later life.
The Study Design
This was among the first studies to analyze the link between prenatal exposure to persistent chemicals and teenage blood pressure. Researchers tracked over 1,000 children born in Boston across a 12-year period. Their mothers’ blood was tested at birth for PFAS levels, and researchers compiled more than 13,000 blood pressure readings for the children (ages 3–18) during routine pediatric visits.
Roughly 60% of the mothers were Black, and the average maternal age was 29. The researchers considered social, racial, and dietary variables to examine how environmental exposure intersects with broader health disparities.
Key Findings
Children whose mothers had higher levels of PFAS in their blood were significantly more likely to experience elevated blood pressure during their teenage years.
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Systolic blood pressure (top number) rose by 1.4% to 2.8%
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Diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) rose by 1.2% to 2.5%
Among Black adolescent males, the risk increased by 6% to 8%, likely due to compounded effects of socioeconomic hardship, limited access to fresh food, and greater consumption of packaged goods containing harmful chemicals.
Why This Matters
Past studies may have underestimated these risks because they only followed children into early childhood. This new data suggests health effects from prenatal PFAS exposure may not appear until adolescence.
The authors explain that PFAS can disrupt hormones and affect adolescent development—including blood pressure regulation. These risks are especially concerning for Black youth, who are already statistically more prone to hypertension.
Policy, Not Just Personal Action
The study emphasizes that reducing exposure to forever chemicals requires policy-level intervention, not just individual behavioral change. This includes:
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Regulating PFAS in consumer goods and manufacturing
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Eliminating PFAS from drinking water
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Special protections during pregnancy
Without collective action, especially around environmental justice and clean water, vulnerable communities will continue to bear the brunt of these toxic exposures.
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