Men in their 50s may be aging faster due to toxic ‘forever chemicals’ | CNN
Hacker News
February 26, 2026
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Men in their 50s may be aging faster than other age groups due to exposure to toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, according to a new study published in *Frontiers in Aging*. These chemicals, which linger in the environment and human body for decades, appear to accelerate biological aging, particularly among middle-aged men. The study found that men aged 50–65 showed the strongest link between PFAS exposure and advanced epigenetic aging, which measures how fast cells age rather than chronological age.
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and fire-fighting foams. These chemicals are present in the blood of nearly 98% of Americans, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The study analyzed data from 326 older adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2000. Researchers measured DNA methylation patterns—a key epigenetic marker—and used "epigenetic clocks" to estimate biological aging. The findings revealed that PFAS exposure was most strongly associated with accelerated aging in men, potentially due to their impact on male hormones like testosterone.
The study highlights a concerning sex-specific effect of PFAS exposure. Men may be particularly vulnerable because they tend to accumulate higher levels of these chemicals compared to women, who eliminate certain PFAS faster through processes like pregnancy and breastfeeding. This gender difference narrows after menopause, but the study suggests that middle-aged men are at the highest risk
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/26/2026