Toxic PFAS chemicals linked to higher risk of childhood leukaemia, study suggests

A new US study highlights a possible association between early-life PFAS exposure and a higher risk of childhood leukaemia

New research suggests early-life exposure to PFAS chemicals may raise the risk of childhood leukaemia. University of California, Irvine scientists analysed newborn blood samples and found that higher amounts of certain PFAS compounds were linked with greater chances of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common childhood cancer. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment and the human body, are found in everyday products.

The findings appeared in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, a Nature journal.

What are PFAS chemicals?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that do not break down naturally and are used widely. Over 15,000 types are heat-resistant, stable, and oil- and water-repellent.

PFAS can be found in products like non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, cleaning products, building materials, and legacy firefighting foams.

PFAS chemicals travel easily in water, do not break down, and are found globally and in homes.

Newborn blood study reveals early PFAS exposure linked to leukaemia risk

Researchers analysed dried blood spots from newborns to gain insight into early PFAS exposure. The study included 125 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and 219 without cancer, all born in Los Angeles County between 2000 and 2015, and identified through the California Linkage Study of Early-onset Cancers.

The team found 17 PFAS in the newborn’s blood, with PFOA and PFOS showing at the highest levels. Children with higher levels had increased odds of developing leukaemia, though the estimates were not precise. Risk also appeared to increase with combined exposure to both chemicals.

Researchers also identified 26 additional PFAS compounds, several of which showed similar patterns, including some that have rarely been studied.

The researchers found stronger links in non-Hispanic children, but these results are preliminary due to the small sample size.

“This research moves us closer to understanding what babies are exposed to from the very start by directly measuring PFAS present at birth, rather than estimating exposure from drinking water,” said corresponding author Veronica Vieira, chair and professor of environmental and occupational health at Wen Public Health. “By capturing exposures during a critical window of development, we are gaining a clearer picture of how environmental contaminants may contribute to childhood cancer risk.”

While the study does not establish cause and effect, it highlights concerns about PFAS exposure in young children.