A newly published study is raising alarm over the health effects of PFAS, revealing a troubling connection between high PFAS exposure and lower vaccine effectiveness in children.
What's happening?
The researchers of this newly published study in Environmental International revealed that children exposed to higher levels of PFAS had significantly lower antibody responses to standard childhood vaccines.
"High PFAS levels in blood were associated with lower vaccine-induced antibody concentrations," the authors wrote, suggesting "significant implications for the effectiveness of vaccination programs," especially in communities with high PFAS contamination.
PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or in our bodies.
They're also nearly impossible to avoid, as they are used in non-stick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, firefighting foams, and more.
Why is PFAS contamination concerning?
This new study reveals a critical health impact of PFAS exposure: weakened vaccine protection. That's especially critical for young children, who rely on strong immune responses during early life to fight off disease and build long-term immunity.
These findings come amid ongoing concerns about PFAS contamination in drinking water and food supplies across the U.S., especially in marginalized communities.
PFAS exposure has already been linked to cancer, liver damage, thyroid disruption, and developmental issues in children. This latest discovery adds immune suppression to the list of associated risks.
Without intervention, widespread PFAS contamination could compromise population-level disease prevention and increase the burden on public health systems.
What's being done about PFAS contamination?
PFAS harms are well known, and there are programs in place to address their spread.
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Majorly 😥 The EPA finalized its first-ever enforceable limits for six PFAS chemicals in drinking water in 2024, though it recently weakened some of the regulations, per the Associated Press.
For it part, the EPA said it would continue its work to provide clean drinking water for Americans, with administrator Lee Zeldin stating, "The work to protect Americans from PFAS in drinking water started under the first Trump administration and will continue under my leadership," per NPR. However, critics argue the stronger regulations should remain in place to protect public health, and environmental groups have pushed back on the move.
Meanwhile, states like Michigan, New Jersey, and Vermont have led the way with aggressive clean-up efforts, and consumer advocates continue to push for bans on PFAS in consumer products.
Companies and innovators are also tackling PFAS pollution head-on, from green chemistry startups developing safe alternatives, to community-led water testing initiatives, to schools removing PFAS-laced artificial turf.
This new research serves as yet another reason why PFAS is not just an environmental issue. It's a direct threat to human health and public safety that must be addressed before it further impacts future generations.
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