Nisha Pandey

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Forever Chemicals In Food & Drinking Water: Scientists Explore Long-Term Health Risks

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<span>PFAS</span>), commonly known as <span>forever chemicals</span>, have sparked interests of epidemiologists who are investigating their links to chronic diseases like high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions and certain cancers.

PFAS are a large group of chemicals made by humans that have been used in industrial processes and everyday consumer products. They are found in cosmetics, kitchen supplies, clothing, carpets, upholstery, food packaging and other household materials.

They are called forever chemicals because their strong chemical bonds make them resistant to breaking down in the environment. Some PFAS can also exist in the human body, allowing exposure to accumulate over time.

At the American Public Health Association's (APHA) 2026 Annual Meeting, researchers presented findings on how people are exposed to these chemicals everyday through food and drinking water, and what long-term health consequences may be related to that exposure.

<h2>Health Problems Linked To Forever Chemicals</h2>

Some studies have identified that PFAS exposure could lead to colon and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/leading-gastroenterologist-padma-bhushan-dr-s-k-sarin-shares-dos-donts-for-healthy-liver-at-times-health-summit-2026-article-156421077" data-type="tilCustomLink">liver cancers</a>, low birth weight, development problems in children, complications during pregnancy and other metabolic disorders. Research has also identified its exposure to cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, reduced antibody responses to some vaccines and hypertension during pregnancy.

However, this does not establish that PFAS exposure directly causes every condition reported in epidemiological studies. Health effects may depend on the chemical type, exposure levels, duration of exposure and individual factors.

The US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states that research into PFAS health effects is in progress.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/paper-straws-have-6-33-times-higher-carcinogenic-risk-than-plastic-straws-study-finds-article-156418288" data-type="tilCustomLink">Paper Straws Have 6.33 Times Higher Carcinogenic Risk Than Plastic Straws, Study Finds</a>

<h2>Food Is A Significant Source Of PFAS</h2>

Besides drinking water, food can also contribute to exposure, prompting researchers to investigate whether dietary habits influence the relationship between PFAS and chronic health conditions.

One study conducted in Massachusetts examined the relationship between dietary patterns, PFAS exposure and blood pressure. Researchers found stronger associations between a specific PFAS compound and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/normal-blood-pressure-readings-may-not-tell-the-full-story-study-finds-article-156427305" data-type="tilCustomLink">high blood pressure</a> among people who regularly consumed fish.

Yuting Wang, a postdoctoral research fellow at Silent Spring Institute and one of the researchers involved in the study, said animal-based foods appeared to contain more PFAS than plant-based foods.

One possible explanation, she suggested, was that meat consumption could increase inflammation, which may influence the relationship between PFAS exposure and blood pressure. 

"Better understanding interactions among diet, PFAS and blood pressure may improve clinical recommendations to prevent hypertension," Wang said. "Future studies should account for exposure to environmental pollutants in addition to nutrient benefits of certain food," she added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/lancet-study-finds-air-pollution-chemical-exposures-could-add-to-south-asias-diabetes-heart-disease-burden-article-156393015" data-type="tilCustomLink">Lancet Study Finds Air Pollution &amp; Chemical Exposures Could Add To South Asia's Diabetes &amp; Heart Disease Burden</a>

<h2>PFAS Found In US Drinking Water Supplies</h2>

According to the <span>US Geological Survey</span>, approximately 45% of drinking water samples collected across the country showed traces of PFAS. Researchers have also investigated PFAS contamination in 11 townships in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their testing found that several drinking water supplies had PFAS concentrations exceeding the <span>US Environmental Protection Agency</span>'s 2021 regulatory limits.

The team also examined two decades of mortality data from the townships to investigate whether areas with higher PFAS levels in public drinking water has different patterns of disease and death.

Erin Kulick, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Temple University College of Public Health who worked on the Pennsylvania study, said, "Southeastern Pennsylvania experiences overlapping burdens of PFAS exposure and cardiovascular disease."

<h2>Scientists Are Concerned About Long-Term Exposure</h2>

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PFAS contamination is a public health concern because these chemicals can remain in the environment for long periods and reach people. Some PFAS accumulate in the body, and repeated exposure may increase the amount present over time. 

The National Institutes of Health identifies several health concerns linked with exposure to certain PFAS, including immune system effects, increased <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/scientists-find-new-way-to-fight-bad-cholesterol-could-it-offer-an-alternative-to-statins-article-156452131" data-type="tilCustomLink">cholesterol</a>, liver changes, pregnancy-related complications and some cancers.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has established legally enforceable drinking water limits for six PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).

Researchers say more comprehensive monitoring, better assessment and long-term epidemiological studies are needed to understand how PFAS contamination affects communities.

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, have sparked interests of epidemiologists who are investigating their links to chronic diseases like high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions and certain cancers.PFAS are a large group of chemicals made by humans that have been used in industrial processes and everyday consumer products. They are found in cosmetics, kitchen supplies, clothing, carpets, upholstery, food packaging and other household materials.They are called forever chemicals because their strong chemical bonds make them resistant to breaking down in the environment. Some PFAS can also exist in the human body, allowing exposure to accumulate over time.At the American Public Health Association's (APHA) 2026 Annual Meeting, researchers presented findings on how people are exposed to these chemicals everyday through food and drinking water, and what long-term health consequences may be related to that exposure.Health Problems Linked To Forever ChemicalsSome studies have identified that PFAS exposure could lead to colon and liver cancers, low birth weight, development problems in children, complications during pregnancy and other metabolic disorders. Research has also identified its exposure to cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, reduced antibody responses to some vaccines and hypertension during pregnancy.However, this does not establish that PFAS exposure directly causes every condition reported in epidemiological studies. Health effects may depend on the chemical type, exposure levels, duration of exposure and individual factors.The US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states that research into PFAS health effects is in progress.Also read: Paper Straws Have 6.33 Times Higher Carcinogenic Risk Than Plastic Straws, Study FindsFood Is A Significant Source Of PFASBesides drinking water, food can also contribute to exposure, prompting researchers to investigate whether dietary habits influence the relationship between PFAS and chronic health conditions.One study conducted in Massachusetts examined the relationship between dietary patterns, PFAS exposure and blood pressure. Researchers found stronger associations between a specific PFAS compound and high blood pressure among people who regularly consumed fish.Yuting Wang, a postdoctoral research fellow at Silent Spring Institute and one of the researchers involved in the study, said animal-based foods appeared to contain more PFAS than plant-based foods.One possible explanation, she suggested, was that meat consumption could increase inflammation, which may influence the relationship between PFAS exposure and blood pressure. "Better understanding interactions among diet, PFAS and blood pressure may improve clinical recommendations to prevent hypertension," Wang said. "Future studies should account for exposure to environmental pollutants in addition to nutrient benefits of certain food," she added.Also read: Lancet Study Finds Air Pollution & Chemical Exposures Could Add To South Asia's Diabetes & Heart Disease BurdenPFAS Found In US Drinking Water SuppliesAccording to the US Geological Survey, approximately 45% of drinking water samples collected across the country showed traces of PFAS. Researchers have also investigated PFAS contamination in 11 townships in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their testing found that several drinking water supplies had PFAS concentrations exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency's 2021 regulatory limits.The team also examined two decades of mortality data from the townships to investigate whether areas with higher PFAS levels in public drinking water has different patterns of disease and death.Erin Kulick, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Temple University College of Public Health who worked on the Pennsylvania study, said, "Southeastern Pennsylvania experiences overlapping burdens of PFAS exposure and cardiovascular disease."Scientists Are Concerned About Long-Term Exposure   PFAS contamination is a public health concern because these chemicals can remain in the environment for long periods and reach people. Some PFAS accumulate in the body, and repeated exposure may increase the amount present over time. The National Institutes of Health identifies several health concerns linked with exposure to certain PFAS, including immune system effects, increased cholesterol, liver changes, pregnancy-related complications and some cancers.The US Environmental Protection Agency has established legally enforceable drinking water limits for six PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).Researchers say more comprehensive monitoring, better assessment and long-term epidemiological studies are needed to understand how PFAS contamination affects communities.

forever chemicals in food & drinking water: scientists explore long-term health risks

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