Health Risks from ‘Forever Chemicals’ Cost U.S. Billions Annually

Research led by the University of Arizona reveals that the health impacts of contamination from “forever chemicals” result in economic losses of at least $8 billion annually in the United States. These substances, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked to serious health issues, particularly when they contaminate drinking water sources.

The study, which focused on all births in New Hampshire from 2010 to 2019, highlights significant disparities in health outcomes for infants born to mothers living near PFAS-contaminated sites. By comparing mothers using water from wells downstream of these sites to those using water from upstream sources, researchers found alarming trends. The infants of mothers exposed to contaminated water experienced higher rates of first-year mortality, increased preterm births, and a higher incidence of low birth weights, including some infants weighing less than 2.2 pounds.

The findings build on existing laboratory and public health research, providing concrete evidence of the detrimental effects of PFAS exposure on a large population. According to the study, the estimated cost of PFAS contamination translates to over $8 billion in social costs each year due to medical care, long-term health effects, and reduced lifetime earnings for affected individuals.

Significance of the Findings

The implications of this research extend beyond immediate health concerns. The data suggests that regulating and removing PFAS from drinking water could lead to substantial health improvements for infants and long-term economic benefits for society. Researchers emphasize that the potential health advantages of cleaning up PFAS contamination could outweigh the costs involved in such efforts.

PFAS compounds were originally designed to create protective coatings that resist heat, oil, and water, making them prevalent in various products and firefighting foam. Their categorization as “forever chemicals” stems from their persistence in the environment, as they do not break down easily.

The study specifically investigates two long-chain PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, which are no longer produced in the U.S. but continue to pollute soils and groundwater. The research underscores the vulnerability of infants to these chemicals, as they can suffer from health complications due to maternal exposure during pregnancy.

Groundbreaking Research Methodology

Previously, studies struggled to establish a method for assessing the effects of PFAS exposure in a randomized manner. This latest research overcomes that barrier, revealing substantial impacts on infant health. The findings not only confirm earlier hypotheses but also present new calculations regarding how adverse birth outcomes can affect children throughout their lives.

The comprehensive study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences under the title “PFAS-contaminated drinking water harms infants.” Dr. Tim Sandle, the Editor-at-Large for science news at Digital Journal, notes the significance of this work in advancing our understanding of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

This research serves as a crucial reminder of the need for urgent action to address the contamination of drinking water with PFAS and highlights the ongoing health risks posed by these persistent chemicals.