New research has shed light on the potential link between prenatal exposure to 'forever chemicals' – also known as PFAS – and the development of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) in daughters. For those who may not be familiar, PMOS is a condition estimated to affect around 13% of women in the UK, characterised by symptoms such as irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and infertility.
The study, led by Harvard University and published in a peer-reviewed journal, involved an analysis of data from approximately 325 mother-daughter pairs. The researchers found that mothers with higher levels of PFAS in their blood during pregnancy were more likely to have daughters who developed PMOS and moderate-to-severe acne by the late teenage years. This is significant because it suggests that exposure to these pervasive chemicals could be a contributing factor in the development of the condition.
PFAS are a group of chemicals used in manufacturing to make products resistant to water, stains, and grease. There are at least 16,000 known compounds within this category, which have been linked to various health problems, including certain cancers, birth defects, and kidney disease. The researchers stress that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between PFAS exposure and PMOS.
It's worth noting that the study participants were drawn from the Boston area as part of a long-running project called 'Project Viva', which has been tracking the health outcomes of mothers and their children since 1999. The results suggest that teenagers whose mothers had higher levels of PFAS compounds in their blood at birth were more likely to develop PMOS or acne later in life – with an increased risk of up to 2.7 times.
The study also highlighted specific links between elevated levels of certain PFAS compounds and the development of PMOS and acne. For example, high levels of N-EtFOSAA, commonly found in stain guards and pesticides, were associated with an increased likelihood of developing PMOS, while high levels of PFNA, used in similar applications, were linked to a higher risk of moderate-to-severe acne.
While the study provides valuable insights into the potential impact of PFAS exposure on human health, it's essential to note that there are limitations to the research. The sample size was relatively small and predominantly white and college-educated, which may affect the generalisability of the findings. However, this new study builds upon existing evidence that has connected PFAS to various hormonal and developmental issues, highlighting the need for further investigation into the potential risks associated with these chemicals.