Research conducted by a group of scientists in the US and Canada, led by Jessie P. Buckley - Professor of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina (USA) has shown the impact of the PFAS chemical group on children's health.
PFAS (abbreviated for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are called "perishable chemicals" because they are very long-lasting in the environment and difficult to break down. They are widely used in many fields such as textiles, electronics and cleaning products.
The study monitored 218 children for many years, measuring the concentration of some PFAS in the blood including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA, then compared them with bone density at developmental stages.
The results showed that high levels of PFOA were associated with lower forearm bone density at age 12. For other substances, the level of impact varies depending on the time of exposure.
According to researchers, the difference between groups with high and low PFAS levels can increase the risk of fractures by about 30%, although this is only an estimate.
Notably, this link is more apparent in female children, suggesting that gender factors may play a role in the effects of PFAS on bones.
Research also shows that PFAS can affect vitamin D, an important factor in bone development. This may explain the mechanism that causes bone density to decrease.
Experts warn that low bone density in children can increase the risk of diseases such as osteoporosis and fractures in adulthood.
However, this is an observational study, so it is not possible to confirm a direct causal relationship. Scientists believe that it is necessary to continue long-term monitoring to assess the impact on adulthood.
Currently, although some substances such as PFOA have been restricted under the Stockholm Convention, PFAS still exist widely in water, food and living environments.
Researchers emphasize that reducing exposure to PFAS in early development can help protect long-term bone health for children.
