Study Links PFAS Chemicals to Accelerated Aging in Men
Research has revealed that “forever chemicals,” specifically PFAS, may be contributing to accelerated aging in men aged 50 to 65. These substances take years to break down, and they are found in the blood of about 98% of American adults, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The study highlights a significant correlation between PFAS exposure and advanced epigenetic aging. This form of aging reflects biological age rather than chronological age, and interestingly, the effects seemed most pronounced in men.
Xiangwei Li, a professor of epidemiology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, noted in an email that the strongest connections between PFAS and epigenetic aging were observed in the middle-aged male demographic. However, he pointed out that in younger men and those over 65, the links were less clear and usually not statistically significant. Some correlations existed in women as well but were smaller and inconsistent compared to their male counterparts.
Jane Muncke, managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, emphasized that these findings suggest a specific effect of PFAS on different sexes. The organization, based in Zurich, Switzerland, focuses on chemical research and its implications.
In men, PFAS may lower testosterone levels, affect sperm quality, and elevate risks for certain cancers, such as testicular and kidney cancer. Previous research indicates that women tend to eliminate certain PFAS quicker than men, likely due to biological factors like pregnancy and menstruation. That difference, however, narrows after menopause.
While these results are intriguing, Muncke cautioned that they signal possible associations rather than established cause-and-effect relationships, calling them pieces of a bigger puzzle.
The American Chemistry Council critiqued the study, arguing it was based on a limited sample of older adults and data from over two decades ago. They claimed that the research does not prove PFAS exposure leads to aging. The organization also stated that much scientific work is already underway to assess PFAS and its risks.
Published in the journal Frontiers in Aging, the study analyzed data from a randomly selected group of 326 older adults enrolled in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey back in 1999 and 2000. Blood samples were tested for 11 types of PFAS, and the participants’ DNA was studied to evaluate epigenetic changes.
Historically, PFAS have been used in various consumer products for their oil and water-repelling properties since the 1950s. However, they’ve been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, fertility problems, and hormonal disruptions. Some specific types of PFAS like PFOS and PFOA are internationally recognized for their toxicity, leading to actions aimed at their elimination.
The Biden administration had aimed to implement stricter regulations on PFAS levels, labeling them hazardous, but efforts to advance these plans have faced setbacks under previous policies.
Li mentioned that new forms of PFAS developed by the chemical industry are not well-studied yet may have similar biological effects. He highlighted that some lesser-known PFAS, specifically PFNA and PFOSA, showed significant associations with faster aging in men but not in women.
Despite these findings, Li advised caution, reiterating that these results reflect trends rather than definitive causation. Total avoidance of PFAS exposure may not be feasible, but he suggested that reducing exposure can be realistic. Recommendations could include using certified water filters and reducing contact with certain materials. Ultimately, effective risk reduction relies heavily on regulatory initiatives and community-level clean-up efforts.
