PFAS Exposure & Bone Density in Teens: New Research Findings

March 23, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” may weaken bone development in teenagers, particularly girls, according to research published this month in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health and collaborating institutions, analyzed blood samples and bone density measurements from 218 adolescents. Participants were part of a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort, with PFAS levels assessed at delivery and at ages 3, 8, and 12. Bone density was measured at age 12.

Researchers found that teens with higher concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in their blood exhibited lower forearm bone density. The findings suggest that adolescence, a critical period for bone mass accrual, may be a particularly vulnerable window for PFAS exposure. Achieving optimal bone mass during these years can reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life, according to Jessie P. Buckley, Ph.D., M.P.H., of UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

“Our findings suggest reducing PFAS exposure during key developmental windows could support healthier bones throughout life,” Buckley said.

The impact of PFAS exposure on bone density appeared to vary depending on the specific compound and the timing of exposure. This suggests that different stages of development may be more susceptible to the effects of these chemicals. Notably, the association between PFAS levels and reduced bone density was more pronounced in females than in males.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in a wide array of consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and food packaging. Their persistence in the environment and the human body has raised concerns about potential health effects, including immune dysfunction, liver damage, and certain types of cancer.

The research team included scientists from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Brown University, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the University of Pennsylvania, Simon Fraser University, and The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. The study was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Buckley emphasized that the study adds to a growing body of evidence linking early-life PFAS exposure to long-term health consequences, highlighting the need for continued efforts to reduce contamination in drinking water and consumer products.