Middle-aged men are most vulnerable to faster aging due to 'forever chemicals,' study finds

Medical Xpress

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Middle-aged men are more susceptible to accelerated biological aging due to exposure to "forever chemicals," according to a recent study. Researchers identified two non-legacy PFAS compounds—perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA)—as potentially speeding up the aging process in men, while women were not similarly affected. This finding underscores the need for stricter regulation of newer PFAS chemicals, which are commonly used in industrial and consumer products despite their known toxic effects. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have long been recognized for their persistence in the environment and ability to accumulate in human bodies. These "forever chemicals" have been linked to a variety of health issues, including immune suppression, reproductive problems, and cancer. The study highlights that even newer PFAS compounds, which were not widely used in the past, may pose significant risks. PFNA and PFOSA are found in products like firefighting foam, industrial lubricants, and food packaging, making them pervasive in modern life. The research focused on middle-aged men, aged 45-65, who showed higher levels of these PFAS compounds in their blood. The study measured biological aging through markers such as DNA methylation, which can indicate cellular damage and age-related decline. Men with higher exposure to PFNA and PFOSA demonstrated signs of accelerated aging, suggesting that long-term exposure to these chemicals could have serious health consequences. Women in the study did not show the same pattern, though researchers noted that more studies are needed to understand why. This discovery is significant because it challenges the assumption that newer PFAS might be safer alternatives to legacy PFAS. The findings suggest that even non-legacy PFAS should be carefully evaluated for their potential health risks. For men in their middle years, this means heightened vulnerability to age-related health issues due to environmental exposure. As PFAS continue to accumulate in the environment and food chain, understanding their impact on human health becomes increasingly urgent. The study also raises important questions about regulatory oversight. Current regulations often focus on legacy PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, but newer

Verticals

healthmedical

Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/26/2026