A new study indicates that exposure to two specific 'forever chemicals,' PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) and PFOSA (perfluorooctanesulfonamide), may accelerate biological aging, particularly in middle-aged men. These substances are part of the broader PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) family, widely used since the mid-20th century in products ranging from non-stick pans to firefighting foams.
The durable carbon-fluorine structure of PFAS makes them resistant to degradation, with breakdown times estimated at up to a thousand years. Scientists have consistently linked PFAS exposure to adverse health outcomes, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. While international policies aim to restrict certain 'legacy' PFAS, thousands of variants remain on the market, many with poorly understood health effects.
Research led by Shanghai Jiao Tong University examined a US dataset of 326 individuals, analyzing blood samples for PFAS concentrations and estimating biological age using epigenetic clocks. The findings showed that higher levels of PFNA were associated with faster epigenetic aging in men aged 50 to 64, though this effect was not observed in women. Exposure to PFOSA was also linked to biomarkers of aging.
Researchers suggest that men may be more susceptible due to lifestyle factors like smoking compounding the pollutants' effects. Midlife is identified as a sensitive biological window where the body is more vulnerable to age-related stressors. While the study highlights an association, it cannot definitively prove causation. Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms and cumulative risks of these chemical mixtures.
To mitigate exposure, individuals are advised to limit consumption of packaged foods and avoid microwaving food in certain containers. The study's findings were published in Frontiers in Aging.