ECHO PFAS Research
Questions
For more information, please email the NIH at NIHKidsandEnvironment@od.nih.gov.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that are used in a wide variety of industry and consumer products. These substances are known as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly, persist in the environment, and accumulate in people and animals. PFAS can be found in many household materials, personal care products, food, and drinking water. Many people can be exposed to PFAS through their environment, occupation, or use of contaminated water, products, or packaging.
Current research suggests that high levels of some PFAS may be associated with adverse health outcomes, including pregnancy outcomes, neurological impairments, and obesity. The full scope of health effects on families in the United States is not fully understood, given the number of PFAS chemicals used in products and the potential ways PFAS exposures can occur.
How can ECHO continue to advance PFAS research?
The ECHO Program is committed to understanding how environmental exposures, including exposures to PFAS and other widespread chemical substances, influence the health and well-being of children and their families. The ECHO Program’s uniquely diverse, nationwide research network includes more than 50,000 children and allows researchers to investigate the effects of chemical exposures on child health outcomes.
ECHO continues to publish new research on the effects of PFAS exposure. See below for an ongoing list of ECHO publications investigating PFAS.
ECHO PFAS Publications
How Does Maternal PFAS Exposure During Pregnancy Affect Children’s Risk of Obesity?
Higher levels of some PFAS during pregnancy were linked with slightly higher body mass index (BMI) in children and increased risk of obesity.
What are the Effects of Prenatal PFAS Exposure on Birthweight?
PFAS were found in almost all study participants, and participants with higher levels of PFAS in their blood were more likely to have babies born at lower birthweights compared to those with lower levels of PFAS exposure.
Does Prenatal PFAS Exposure Affect a Child’s Risk for Developing Autism-related Traits?
Prenatal exposure to one specific PFAS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), may be associated with an increase in autism-related traits in children.
What is the Effect of Maternal PFAS Exposure on Prenatal Growth in Black Women?
Some PFAS exposures were associated with greater risk of low birthweight or changes in the levels of key molecules related to infant development.