A new study shows that exposure to two "perishable chemicals" PFNA and PFOSA may be associated with a faster biological aging process, especially in men aged 50 to 64.
PFNA and PFOSA belong to the PFAS group, which are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This is a group of synthetic chemicals widely used since the mid-20th century in many products such as non-stick pans, food packaging, waterproof clothing or fire foam.
The outstanding feature of PFAS is its very high durability. The carbon-fluor binding structure helps them to be difficult to break down in the environment, and can even last hundreds to thousands of years. Therefore, they are called "perishable chemicals".
However, this durability also raises concerns when many previous studies have shown a link between PFAS and health problems such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. There are currently more than 12,000 PFAS variants on the market and most have not been fully assessed for safety.
In a new study, a scientific team from Shanghai Jiaotong University analyzed data from 326 people participating in the US National Health and Nutrition Survey in the period 1999-2000. Blood samples were tested to determine the concentration of 11 different types of PFAS.
In parallel, researchers estimated the biological age of participants based on the level of DNA methylation - a modern indicator reflecting the aging process.
The results showed that PFNA and PFOSA appeared in the blood of about 95% of participants. In middle-aged men, high PFNA levels were associated with a faster epigenetic aging process according to certain indicators. A similar link was not clearly recorded in women.
Researchers believe that this difference may be related to lifestyle factors. Men may be more strongly affected by factors such as smoking, which can increase the negative effects of pollutants.
PFOSA is also recorded to be related to biological signs of aging, although the mechanism is somewhat different. According to the research group, middle age is a period when the body is more vulnerable to biological stressors, making the effects of chemicals more pronounced.
However, scientists emphasize that the study cannot confirm causality. The results only show a link between some types of PFAS and the rate of aging, not enough basis to conclude that these chemicals directly cause the rapid aging process.
Notably, PFAS concentrations were not significantly different between genders or age groups, and no similar links were found with other types of PFAS in the study. This suggests that PFNA and PFOSA may have their own characteristics that need further clarification.
While waiting for further in-depth studies, experts recommend that people should limit the use of packaged food and avoid heating fast food in the microwave to reduce the risk of exposure to PFAS. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging.
