Women exposed to high levels of so-called forever chemicals are more likely to experience hormonal disruptions, according to new research from Harvard University.
The study, published on Friday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, analysed blood samples for seven types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds and found that certain chemicals were associated with hormonal disruption.
PFAS are synthetic substances valued for their resistance to heat, water, and stains, and are commonly used in non-stick cookware, food packaging, and disposable and reusable menstrual products. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade easily in the environment.
Forever chemicals have been linked to cancer and other serious health risks. They can enter the human body through drinking water, food, and everyday products, and recent research suggests they can also be absorbed through the skin.
In the study, women who showed signs of endocrine disruption had higher median concentrations of several PFAS compounds compared with those who did not.
Endocrine disruption refers to any alteration of normal hormonal function, which can lead to reduced fertility, abnormalities in sex organs, menstrual cycle disorders, and early puberty.
The study has some limitations because it used samples from one blood collection, meaning it is possible that pre-existing endocrine disruption could have affected the way the body processes PFAS.
It’s difficult to avoid PFAS exposure. Two years ago, the Forever Pollution Project –an investigation by journalists across Europe– identified nearly 23,000 contaminated PFAS sites.
The project also revealed a further 21,500 sites potentially contaminated due to current or past industrial activity, concluding that “PFAS contamination spreads all over Europe.”
In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified two PFAS – perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) – as carcinogenic and possibly carcinogenic to humans, respectively. Both substances are banned in the European Union.
However, European consumer rights organisations warn that many PFAS remain present in everyday products. Earlier this year, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) tested 221 products available on the European market, both in physical and online stores.
It found that 62 products contained total organic fluorine levels – a marker contained in PFAS and commonly used to indicate their presence – above the limit proposed under the future EU-wide restriction.
Almost all 16 product categories tested contained harmful chemicals, including adhesive bandages, microwave popcorn, and kinesiology tape.
