A recent study finds that certain “forever chemicals” — PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — may be associated with accelerated biological aging at the cellular level, with the strongest signal seen in men in midlife. PFAS are widely used for their water-, oil- and heat-resistant properties in products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and some firefighting foams, and they persist in the environment and in people’s blood.
Study overview
– Published in Frontiers in Aging, the analysis focused on less-studied PFAS: PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) and PFSA (perfluorosulfonic acids). Earlier work largely examined legacy compounds such as PFOS and PFOA, which have been largely phased out.
– Researchers analyzed data from 326 U.S. adults aged 50 and older who took part in the 1999–2000 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). The cohort’s average age was about 67 and the sample was nearly evenly split by sex.
– Blood testing 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 evaluate whether higher PFAS concentrations corresponded with faster molecular aging. GrimAge is a clock tied to mortality risk and inflammation, while LinAge is more associated with lifespan prediction and metabolic processes.
Key findings
– Higher PFNA concentrations were associated with an acceleration of roughly 2 to 4 years on the GrimAge measure. This association was most pronounced in adults aged 50–64 and particularly in men.
– PFSA levels showed a distinct association with LinAge-accelerated aging, suggesting different PFAS compounds might influence aging through different biological pathways.
– The study does not prove cause and effect. Xiangwei Li, PhD, the senior author, and independent experts caution interpretation, but note the results are consistent with prior findings linking PFNA to accelerated epigenetic aging in men.
Possible reasons for sex and age differences
– Authors suggest that midlife shifts in cardiometabolic function, inflammation, and stress-response systems could increase vulnerability to environmental stressors. Biological differences such as hormones, body composition, and metabolism may also help explain why middle-aged men showed stronger associations.
Broader context and implications
– Nearly all Americans have detectable PFAS in their blood. Levels of legacy PFAS such as PFOS and PFOA have fallen substantially since 2000 (PFOS down by more than 85% and PFOA by more than 70%), but many other persistent PFAS remain widespread and less well studied.
– The findings strengthen concerns about long-term health effects of persistent PFAS and underscore the need to study a broader range of compounds and to better understand mechanisms linking exposures to aging and disease.
Reducing exposure
Complete avoidance of PFAS is difficult, but exposure can be reduced by practical steps:
– Use water treatment systems certified to remove PFAS (for example reverse osmosis or activated carbon) if local water is known to be contaminated; check municipal water reports.
– Replace old or scratched nonstick pans with stainless steel or glass cookware.
– Limit takeout and fast-food packaged in grease-resistant wrappers, which can contain PFAS.
– Choose PFAS-free options for waterproof or stain-resistant clothing, furniture, and upholstery when possible.
Bottom line: this study links certain PFAS to measurable changes in epigenetic aging, especially in midlife men, but cannot establish causation. The results support further research and continued efforts to limit exposures to persistent PFAS compounds.
