The study is made by researchers at Örebro University, together with researchers from Åbo University and Åbo University Hospital – and shows that there is a connection between changes in the brain in five-year-olds and that their mothers were exposed to the chemicals PFAS during pregnancy.
But what the changes in the brain in the children can mean is too early to answer.
In this study, we have not linked changes in the brain to any health effect, that is something that can be studied further, says Tuulia Hyötyläinen.
Difficult to avoid completely
PFAS are chemicals created by humans and break down very slowly. They are called eternal chemicals and accumulate in nature and in our bodies. PFAS are used, for example, in refrigerants, fire extinguishing foam, makeup, and packaging.
It is difficult to completely avoid PFAS, everyone is exposed, says Hyötyläinen.
She says that future research may be able to answer whether there is a connection between PFAS and neurological problems.
There are such studies that are ongoing. We will try to understand what mechanisms are behind the changes we see, where more research is needed.
Reduce the risk
What can a pregnant woman do to reduce the risk of exposing herself to PFAS?
If you are pregnant, you can try to avoid products that contain a lot of PFAS, such as stain-repelling spray that you use on clothes or shoes. If you are going to eat fish, it is important to look at which area the fish comes from, because there are areas that are heavily contaminated with PFAS, says Hyötyläinen.
Mikael Widerberg/TT
Facts: PFAS
TT
PFAS stands for poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances and can also be called highly fluorinated substances.
PFAS are chemicals created by humans that break down extremely slowly and therefore accumulate in nature and in our bodies.
Repeatedly getting PFAS over a longer period can affect health in the long run. Fetuses, infants, and children are believed to be extra sensitive. Studies have shown that PFAS substances can affect the immune system, birth weight, cholesterol levels in the blood, be reproductive disruptive, and increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
PFAS have been manufactured since the 1950s and are, among other things, dirt- and fat-repelling. It is found in all sorts of things like makeup, impregnation, popcorn bags, fire extinguishing foam, and solar cells.
PFAS do not occur naturally in nature, but are now found everywhere. Among other things, millions of Europeans may be exposed to too high levels in their drinking water.
Sources: Svenskt Vatten and Livsmedelsverket.
