How Forever Chemicals Lead to Delayed Puberty?

Forever chemicals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in children, may cause them to mature later during puberty.

Children exposed to higher concentrations of ‘forever chemicals’-- per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in everyday products, such as water-resistant clothes, umbrellas, and food packaging, have a higher likelihood to mature later during puberty (). The results could aid in improving national and international regulations on the industrial production and use of these chemicals.

This novel research was presented at the 61st Annual European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology Meeting in The Hague.

Analyzing Forever Chemical’s Impact with Age-adjusted Ultrasound Puberty Scores

Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals’ which make surfaces resist stains, water, and grease, are man-made chemicals extremely persistent in the environment and in our bodies.

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‘The effect of ‘forever chemicals’ on pubertal development may help national and international agencies control the use and exposure to such chemicals. #PFAS #foreverchemicals #toxicenvironment #latepuberty’

These chemicals are considered endocrine disruptive, meaning they interfere with the body’s hormones and could have harmful effects on puberty and childhood development. PFAS have previously been associated with reduced fertility, thyroid disease, and obesity.

In this study, Dr. Ingvild Halsor Forthun and colleagues in Norway analyzed 19 different PFAS chemicals in 420 boys and 618 girls aged 6-16 years, as part of the Bergen Growth Study 2.

They also measured the children’s breast development and testicular size using ultrasound and found that boys had smaller testicles while girls had less advanced breast development when they were exposed to higher levels of a number of PFAS chemicals.

Toxic PFAS Exposure Influences Late Pubertal Development

Previous studies have also shown the same association between PFAS chemicals and later puberty. However, up until now, information on pubertal development was mostly self-reported.

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“This is the first study exploring the link between PFAS exposure and pubertal development using ultrasound as a novel and more objective method,” said lead author Dr Forthun, a PhD candidate at the Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen.

The team is now planning to investigate how hormones involved in puberty and body composition are associated with PFAS levels within the Norwegian child population.

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“Our findings provide further evidence for the harmful effects of PFAS on childhood development, but it is still unclear how these chemicals impact puberty-related hormones and body composition in children. This could shed light on reproductive issues and contribute to better regulation making” says Dr Forthun.

Reference:

Early-Life Exposure to Per- and Poly-Fluorinated Alkyl Substances and Growth, Adiposity, and Puberty in Children: A Systematic Review - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8458955/)

Source: Eurekalert

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