A new study suggests certain “forever chemicals” may accelerate biological aging at the cellular level, with the effect most pronounced in middle-aged men. The findings add to growing concerns about widespread exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are used in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and some firefighting foams because they repel water, oil, and heat and resist breakdown.
Published in Frontiers in Aging, the study links specific PFAS compounds to signs of accelerated epigenetic aging — a measure of biological age based on chemical marks on DNA called DNA methylation. While most prior research focused on legacy PFAS such as PFOS and PFOA (largely phased out in the early 2000s), this analysis examined PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) and PFSA (perfluorosulfonic acids), which are persistent and less well studied.
Xiangwei Li, PhD, the study’s senior author, cautions the research does not prove causation but says the results suggest PFAS exposure may be associated with molecular changes tied to aging and long-term health risk. Independent experts note the findings align with earlier work showing PFNA’s association with accelerated epigenetic clocks in men.
Study details
– Researchers analyzed data from 326 U.S. adults aged 50 and older who participated in the 1999–2000 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). The cohort’s average age was about 67 and nearly evenly split by sex.
– Blood tests detected PFNA and PFSA in more than 95% of participants.
– The team used epigenetic “clocks” — algorithms that estimate biological age from DNA methylation patterns — to assess whether higher PFAS levels corresponded with faster molecular aging. Different clocks capture distinct aging-related processes: GrimAge is linked to mortality risk and inflammation, while LinAge relates more to lifespan prediction and metabolism.
Key findings
– Higher PFNA levels were associated with roughly 2 to 4 years of accelerated aging by the GrimAge measure. This association was strongest in adults aged 50–64 and in men.
– PFSA showed a distinct association with LinAge-accelerated aging, suggesting different PFAS may affect aging through separate biological pathways.
– The study does not identify why middle-aged men appear more affected, but authors propose midlife changes in cardiometabolic function, inflammation, and stress-response systems could increase vulnerability to environmental stressors. Biological differences — hormones, body composition, and metabolism — may also play a role.
Implications and context
– Nearly all Americans have some PFAS in their blood, though levels of legacy chemicals like PFOS and PFOA have declined significantly over time (PFOS by more than 85% and PFOA by more than 70% since 2000).
– The research underscores concerns about long-term health effects of persistent PFAS and highlights the need to study a broader range of these compounds.
Reducing exposure
Complete avoidance of PFAS is unrealistic, but exposure can be reduced. Practical steps include:
– Using water filters such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon if local water supplies are affected (effectiveness varies; check municipal water reports).
– Replacing old or scratched nonstick pans with stainless steel or glass cookware.
– Eating less takeout and fast food, since PFAS can be present in food wrappers and containers.
– Avoiding waterproof or stain-resistant clothing, furniture, and upholstery; choosing PFAS-free consumer products when possible.
While this study cannot establish causation, it suggests certain PFAS may be linked to measurable changes in biological aging, particularly during midlife, reinforcing calls for continued research and actions to limit exposure.
