Recent research published in Frontiers in Aging examines the impact of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, on biological aging in men between 50 and 65 years old. These chemicals are called 'forever chemicals' because they can take years or even decades to break down in both the environment and the human body. Alarmingly, it is estimated that about 98% of Americans have PFAS detected in their blood, raising significant health concerns.

The study focuses on epigenetic aging, which reflects a person's biological age through DNA markers, rather than just their chronological age. Researchers analyzed data from 326 older men and women who participated in the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In the blood samples, they measured 11 types of PFAS along with the 'methylome' of DNA, a crucial epigenetic marker that regulates gene expression and is associated with aging.

The implications of these findings are significant as they suggest that exposure to PFAS may not only be linked to immediate health risks but also to long-term biological changes that could contribute to aging. This evidence highlights the need for stringent regulations on PFAS to mitigate their presence in everyday products and the environment, particularly given their pervasive nature and potential impact on public health.