Chemical Exposure Before Birth Linked to Higher Blood Pressure in Teens

A recent study links “forever chemicals” in a mother’s blood after delivery to high blood pressure in the child years later.

“Forever chemicals,” also called PFAS, are man-made. They are used to keep things from getting wet, greasy or stained. They are called “forever” because they don’t easily go away. They build up in the environment and our bodies over time.

You can find these chemicals in:

• Drinking water
• Nonstick pans
• Food wrappers
• Carpets
• Clothes
• Some shampoos or lotions

Most people have some PFAS in their bodies. These chemicals can get in through food, water, air or by touching things that have them.

When a pregnant woman has PFAS in her body, her unborn child can be exposed. This is a sensitive time because a fetus is still growing and changing fast.

High blood pressure in kids has been more common in recent years. Having high blood pressure makes it more likely to have heart problems or a stroke later.

The study looked at children from different racial and ethnic groups. It compared the amount of PFAS in mothers’ blood after birth (samples were taken up to three days later) with the children’s blood pressure readings as they grew up.

The findings

• Teens whose mothers’ tests showed more PFAS tended to have higher blood pressure.
• Boys along with kids born to non-Hispanic Black mothers, were at higher risk.
• Some PFAS seemed linked to lower blood pressure in younger kids. But this effect went away as they grew older.

What you can do

Find out if PFAs are in your drinking water. Use stainless steel or cast iron pans instead of nonstick ones. Research other products such as clothing to see whether they contain PFAS.

But scientists say public policy changes could better reduce PFAS exposures.