Babies exposed to far more “forever chemicals” before birth than scientists knew
Science Daily
February 23, 2026
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Babies born between 2003 and 2006 were exposed to far more "forever chemicals" in the womb than previously understood, according to a groundbreaking study published in *Environmental Science & Technology*. Using advanced chemical screening on umbilical cord blood samples, researchers identified 42 different PFAS compounds, many of which are not typically tested for in routine analyses. This discovery highlights the widespread prenatal exposure to these long-lasting chemicals, which are commonly found in products like nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics.
The study, led by Dr. Shelley H. Liu of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, utilized a non-targeted chemical analysis method—a technique that identifies hundreds to thousands of chemicals simultaneously—rather than testing for a limited list of known PFAS. This approach revealed a diverse mix of PFAS in cord blood, including perfluorinated, polyfluorinated, and fluorotelomeric compounds. These findings challenge earlier assumptions about prenatal exposure, as previous studies relying on narrower testing panels had reported differences in exposure between babies born to first-time mothers versus those with more experienced mothers. However, the new comprehensive measurement showed no such differences.
The researchers developed PFAS-omics burden scores to quantify total PFAS exposure at a given point in time. These scores provide a more accurate picture of newborns' chemical exposure, revealing that prenatal PFAS exposure is both complex and widespread. This is particularly concerning because pregnancy is a critical window for development, and studies have linked prenatal PFAS exposure to health issues such as low birth weight, preterm birth, immune response changes, and metabolic shifts.
The findings underscore the urgent need to better understand the health effects of these long-lasting chemicals, which are known as "forever chemicals" due to their slow breakdown and accumulation in the environment and human body. While PFAS exposure is not currently monitored in clinical settings, this study emphasizes the importance of reducing prenatal exposure to environmental toxins like PFAS. It also calls for more comprehensive testing methods to fully grasp the extent of chemical exposure in early life.
This research has significant implications for public health, as it highlights the need for interventions to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals. By understanding the full picture of prenatal PFAS exposure,
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/23/2026