Mount Sinai researchers have discovered that infants are exposed to a significantly broader range of “forever chemicals” – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – in the womb than previously understood. The findings, published February 18, 2026, in Environmental Science & Technology, suggest that prenatal PFAS exposure is more complex and widespread, raising concerns about potential impacts on child health. This research underscores the urgent need to fully understand the scope of PFAS contamination and its effects on developing immune systems and overall well-being.
PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used in countless consumer and industrial products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. They’ve earned the moniker “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems, including immune deficiencies, increased cholesterol levels, and certain types of cancer, according to the Mount Sinai Health System. The new study highlights that current testing methods may be significantly underestimating the total PFAS burden infants carry at birth.
The study, led by Shelley H. Liu, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Population Health Science and Policy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, analyzed archived umbilical cord blood samples collected between 2003 and 2006 as part of the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study in Cincinnati, Ohio. Researchers examined samples from 336 mother-infant pairs, utilizing both traditional targeted analysis and a more comprehensive, nontargeted approach. The nontargeted method identified 42 confirmed or potentially identified PFAS chemicals in cord blood, a substantial increase compared to the four PFAS detected through targeted analysis.
“Our study helps present that prenatal PFAS exposure is more complex and widespread than earlier studies suggested,” Dr. Liu said in a statement. “Understanding the full picture is essential if we want to protect child health and reduce preventable environmental risks.”
The Power of Nontargeted Analysis
Traditional PFAS testing focuses on a limited number of well-studied compounds. However, the nontargeted analysis used in this research allowed scientists to detect a wider array of PFAS, including newer and understudied chemicals like perfluorinated chemicals, polyfluorinated chemicals, and fluorotelomers. This approach is crucial because analytical standards – the benchmarks used to accurately quantify chemical levels – don’t yet exist for many PFAS, limiting our ability to assess the overall exposure burden. The study demonstrates that nontargeted analysis can help estimate total exposure to PFAS, even in the absence of specific standards, as detailed in the Environmental Science & Technology abstract.
Parity and PFAS Exposure
Interestingly, the researchers also explored the relationship between a mother’s parity – the number of times she’s given birth – and the infant’s PFAS exposure. They found that infants born to mothers who had previously given birth (multiparous mothers) had significantly lower PFAS exposure burden scores based on targeted analysis compared to those born to first-time mothers (nulliparous mothers). However, this disparity disappeared when researchers analyzed the data using PFAS-omics scores derived from the nontargeted analysis. This suggests that the observed differences in PFAS exposure across parity may depend on the specific panel of PFAS assessed and their varying half-lives – the time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the chemical.
Shelley H. Liu, Ph.D., has dedicated her research to understanding environmental health impacts, with a focus on exposome science and the effects of chemical exposures on health outcomes. Her work at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai encompasses a broad range of research areas, including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and obesity, all viewed through the lens of environmental factors.
The findings emphasize the need for continued research into the health effects of the many PFAS chemicals now known to be present in the environment and in human blood. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific risks associated with these lesser-known PFAS and to develop strategies to minimize exposure during critical developmental periods.
As research continues to uncover the extent of PFAS contamination and its potential health consequences, ongoing monitoring and preventative measures will be crucial. The development of more sensitive and comprehensive testing methods, like the nontargeted analysis employed in this study, will be essential for accurately assessing exposure levels and protecting future generations.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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