PFAS and 'Forever Chemicals': What They Mean for a Fetal Environment

Key Takeaways

PFAS, or "forever chemicals", are man-made substances that persist in the environment and the human body, raising concerns for pregnant women and their babies. These chemicals can cross the placenta, potentially affecting fetal development¹, including organ growth, immune function, and birth weight. Common sources of PFAS exposure include contaminated water, nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant products. Reducing exposure involves steps like using water filters, avoiding nonstick pans, and choosing PFAS-free products. While avoiding PFAS entirely is nearly impossible, taking precautions during pregnancy can lower risks. Additionally, newborn stem cell banking offers a way to prepare for potential long-term health challenges linked to PFAS exposure, providing a resource for future medical treatments.

How PFAS Affect Fetal Development

Studies reveal that PFAS can cross the placenta, exposing a fetus to these chemicals early in pregnancy. Given their persistence in the environment and the body, understanding how PFAS exposure impacts fetal development is essential for every expecting parent.

How PFAS Reach the Fetus

Research has shown that PFAS can pass through the placental barrier, meaning these chemicals can reach the fetus during pregnancy. Detectable levels of PFAS have even been found in umbilical cord blood², indicating exposure begins at the earliest stages of life. This is particularly concerning during the first and second trimesters, critical periods when organs and the nervous system are forming. Exposure during these sensitive windows may disrupt gene expression and hormone regulation, potentially leading to developmental challenges.

Health Risks During Fetal Development

Prenatal exposure to PFAS has been linked to lower birth weights³, which can increase health risks during infancy and childhood. There are also concerns about how PFAS exposure might affect the developing immune system, possibly reducing a child’s ability to respond to routine vaccinations⁴. Additionally, early exposure could influence the development of essential organs like the liver and kidneys, as well as the endocrine system, which governs growth and metabolism. While these findings are concerning, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term consequences of these exposures.

Long-Term Health Effects for Mother and Child

The impact of PFAS exposure during pregnancy may persist well beyond birth. Early exposure has been associated with developmental issues, including behavioral changes and shifts in metabolic health as children grow. For mothers, studies are examining potential links between PFAS exposure and complications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, along with long-term effects on immune and metabolic functions. Because PFAS accumulate in the body and linger over time, the health implications for both mother and child could extend far into the future.

Being aware of these risks is a step toward taking action. By understanding how PFAS exposure affects pregnancy and development, you can make informed decisions to help protect your health and your baby’s well-being.

Reducing PFAS Exposure During Pregnancy

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in many everyday items, making complete avoidance nearly impossible. However, taking certain steps during pregnancy can significantly reduce exposure. Even small amounts of PFAS can impact an infant's developing immune system, so adopting practical strategies can make a difference.

Steps to Limit PFAS Exposure

Start with your drinking water. If your water supply has known or suspected PFAS contamination, consider using an NSF-certified filter designed to remove PFOA and PFOS. You can check your local water system's PFAS levels through the EPA's Consumer Confidence Report or by contacting your water supplier. For private wells, have your water tested by a state-certified lab using EPA-approved methods.

Choose safer cookware. Damaged nonstick pans can release PFAS into your food. Opt for stainless steel or cast iron instead, as these are safe, long-lasting alternatives.

Kristin Scheible, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology at URMC, advises: Use water filters, minimize cooking in damaged nonstick pans, switch to alternatives like stainless steel or cast iron, and store food in glass or ceramic containers. Small steps can help lower the cumulative burden of exposure.

Be mindful of food packaging. Fast food wrappers and grease-resistant packaging often contain PFAS. Cooking at home is a simple way to avoid these sources. For snacks like popcorn, skip the microwaveable bags and make it yourself using a plain paper bag.

Say no to stain-resistant products. Items like carpets, furniture, and clothing labeled as "stain-resistant" or "water-resistant" are often treated with PFAS. When preparing your baby's nursery, look for PFAS-free options for furniture and décor.

Control household dust. Regular cleaning, including dusting and vacuuming, can reduce PFAS that accumulate in household dust.

Address workplace exposure. If your job involves handling chemicals, including PFAS, speak with your employer about potential risks and ways to limit exposure.

How to Identify PFAS-Free Products

Making informed decisions about products is another way to reduce exposure.

For cookware, stainless steel and cast iron are inherently PFAS-free, so no label-checking is needed. When it comes to food storage, glass or metal containers are the safest options.

For personal care items, medications, and supplements, read labels carefully. If you're unsure about a product's safety, consult your healthcare provider to ensure you're not unintentionally exposing yourself to PFAS during pregnancy.

Supporting Stronger PFAS Regulations

While individual actions are important, larger changes require stronger regulations and increased awareness. Advocating for stricter PFAS policies can help create safer environments for everyone.

Stay updated on local and national efforts to regulate PFAS in water, consumer goods, and manufacturing. Reach out to your elected officials to voice support for legislation that limits PFAS use. Community involvement amplifies individual efforts and drives meaningful change.

Sharing what you've learned about PFAS with friends and family can also make a difference. Raising awareness encourages others to take similar steps, creating a ripple effect of informed choices.

Matt Simcik, Ph.D., Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota, reminds expectant mothers: Control the things you can control, and focus on the healthy behaviors you can take to have a healthy pregnancy.

Planning Ahead for Your Baby's Health

Taking steps to protect your baby's health starts even before birth. By limiting exposure to chemicals like PFAS during pregnancy and considering options like newborn stem cell banking, you can set the stage for a healthier future. These actions work hand in hand to support your baby's well-being.

The Benefits of Stem Cell Banking

Newborn stem cell banking involves collecting and preserving stem cells found in cord blood, cord tissue, and placental tissue at birth. These stem cells are rich in regenerative properties. For instance, cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells, which are already approved by the FDA for treating certain blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and metabolic conditions. Meanwhile, cord tissue and placental tissue contain cells and growth factors that are being studied for their potential in new medical therapies.

Americord Registry offers specialized services for processing and storing these valuable cells. Using CryoMaxx™ Processing and a unique 5-compartment storage vial, they ensure maximum cell recovery and flexibility for future treatments. Since these cells are collected right after birth, they are preserved in their most pristine state, maintaining their full potential.

Americord provides a range of plans to suit different needs. Pricing is subject to change. Please visit the Americord Pricing Page for the most up-to-date information, including the current annual fee (in some cases):

• Essential Plan: Focuses on cord blood banking.
• Advanced Plan: Includes both cord blood and cord tissue.
• Complete Plan: Covers cord blood, cord tissue, and placental tissue.
• Ultimate and Maximum Plans: Expand further with exosome banking for additional possibilities.

Combining Prevention and Preparation

A well-rounded health strategy combines reducing risks with planning for the future. While limiting PFAS exposure during pregnancy helps protect your baby's development, banking newborn stem cells offers a long-term resource for potential medical needs.

Protecting Your Baby's Health from the Start

PFAS exposure during pregnancy can pose serious risks to your baby's health. Although avoiding these chemicals entirely is nearly impossible - given that over 97% of Americans have PFAS in their blood⁵ - you can take steps to reduce exposure now and prepare for your child's future health.

Minimizing PFAS exposure during pregnancy is critical because these chemicals can cross the placenta and reach your baby during key stages of development. Studies have linked prenatal PFAS exposure to gestational diabetes, childhood obesity, preeclampsia, and restricted fetal growth⁶. By making informed choices to limit exposure, you're actively reducing the chemical burden on your growing baby.

But reducing exposure is only part of the equation. Planning ahead is equally important to address potential long-term health concerns. One proactive step is considering newborn stem cell banking - a way to prepare for future health challenges linked to PFAS exposure. These chemicals may affect immune function, development, and disease risk throughout life. Stem cells collected from cord blood, cord tissue, and placental tissue at birth are preserved to retain their therapeutic properties, offering a valuable resource for future medical needs.

Banked stem cells can provide treatment options for various conditions. For instance, cord blood stem cells are already FDA-approved for treating certain immune deficiencies and blood disorders - conditions that may become more common in children exposed to higher levels of PFAS during pregnancy. By banking these cells, you’re creating a safety net that could prove crucial down the road.

Americord Registry offers options like the Essential Plan for cord blood banking or the Complete Plan, which also includes cord tissue and placental tissue. These plans ensure that the collected stem cells are processed and stored to preserve their therapeutic potential. This approach allows you to protect your baby now while securing a resource for their future health.

While you can’t eliminate every environmental contaminant, you have the power to act. Reducing PFAS exposure today and preparing for tomorrow with stem cell banking gives you a meaningful way to safeguard your baby's health from the very beginning.

FAQs

How can pregnant women reduce their exposure to PFAS to protect their baby's health?

Pregnant women can take practical steps to limit their exposure to PFAS, helping to ensure a safer environment for themselves and their babies. Start by opting for filtered or bottled water when drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula, as tap water in some areas may carry traces of PFAS.

Another useful habit is to prioritize fresh, whole foods instead of processed or packaged options, which can sometimes be linked to PFAS contamination. It's also wise to steer clear of non-stick cookware and avoid using stain-resistant treatments on carpets or furniture, as these products often contain PFAS. Small adjustments like these can make a meaningful difference in reducing exposure.

What are the potential effects of PFAS exposure on a baby's development during pregnancy?

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals", can pose risks to a baby's development during pregnancy. Studies suggest that exposure to these substances may be linked to developmental delays, behavioral changes, and a higher likelihood of obesity and metabolic problems later in life. Additionally, PFAS can interfere with the immune system and disrupt hormonal balance, potentially impacting growth and puberty.

Although PFAS are found throughout the environment, expecting parents can take practical steps to limit exposure. For instance, using water filters specifically designed to reduce PFAS and steering clear of products that contain these chemicals can make a difference. Staying informed and taking action can help protect your baby's health.

How could newborn stem cell banking help address potential risks from PFAS exposure?

Newborn stem cell banking offers a forward-thinking way to support your child’s future health, especially with growing concerns about PFAS exposure. Known as 'forever chemicals,' PFAS can linger in the environment and potentially affect health over time. While research is still evolving, there’s increasing attention on how these substances might influence fetal development and long-term well-being.

By preserving your baby’s stem cells, you’re securing a resource that could be pivotal in future medical advancements. Stem cells are being researched for their potential in regenerative medicine and therapies aimed at addressing various health conditions. As scientists delve deeper into the effects of PFAS exposure, these stored cells could provide valuable options for treatments that may emerge down the road.

References

1. Milestones in Fetal Development (Americord)
2. Umbilical Cord Blood (The Guardian)
3. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)
4. PFAS in the U.S. Population (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
5. Americord Releases Cord Blood Stem Cells for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (Americord)
6. Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Fetal Growth: A Prospective Study in the Danish National Birth Cohort (Environmental Health Perspectives)