Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have identified a potential link between early-life exposure to PFAS, widely used industrial chemicals, and an increased risk of lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common cancer in children.
The study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, analysed newborn blood samples to directly measure chemical exposure at birth rather than relying on environmental estimates.
The findings suggest that infants with higher levels of specific PFAS compounds in their blood may face elevated odds of developing lymphoblastic leukaemia, adding weight to concerns about how environmental toxins affect early childhood health.
The research was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, highlighting growing institutional focus on the long-term health effects of environmental contaminants.
Why are PFAS dangerous?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of synthetic chemicals used in everyday products, including nonstick cookware, food packaging, waterproof fabrics and drinking water systems.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly persistent and accumulate in both the environment and the human body over time.
Their durability has made them commercially valuable, but also difficult to regulate. Because they do not readily degrade, exposure can begin before birth and continue throughout life, raising questions about long-term health impacts.
Inside the study: Measuring exposure at birth
To better understand early exposure, researchers examined dried blood spots collected from newborns in Los Angeles County between 2000 and 2015. The study compared 125 children later diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia with 219 children without cancer.
17 PFAS compounds were detected in the samples. Two of the most common – PFOA and PFOS – were found at the highest concentrations.
Children with elevated levels of these chemicals showed increased odds of developing lymphoblastic leukaemia, although researchers note the statistical estimates were not highly precise.
The analysis also identified 26 additional PFAS compounds, some rarely studied, that displayed similar patterns. Risk appeared to increase further when multiple PFAS exposures were combined, suggesting a potential cumulative effect.
Building on previous evidence
This research builds on earlier work by the same team, which tracked PFAS contamination in drinking water among more than 40,000 children in California. That study linked higher PFAS exposure to several childhood cancers, including acute myeloid leukaemia and Wilms tumour.
By focusing on blood samples taken at birth, the latest study offers a more direct assessment of exposure during a critical developmental window.
According to lead researcher Veronica Vieira, this approach helps clarify how environmental risks may begin affecting health from the earliest stages of life.
Key findings and limitations
The study found stronger associations among non-Hispanic children, although researchers caution that these subgroup results are preliminary due to limited sample sizes.
Importantly, the research does not establish a causal relationship. Instead, it strengthens an emerging body of evidence suggesting that early PFAS exposure could be a contributing factor in the development of lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Scientists emphasise that uncertainty remains around the full range of PFAS compounds, many of which are still poorly monitored or understood.
Public health implications
With PFAS contamination widespread across water systems and consumer products, the findings raise broader concerns about environmental regulation and child health protection.
Experts say further research is essential to confirm the link and identify safe exposure thresholds. At the same time, the study underscores the need for policies to reduce PFAS exposure, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood.
While more evidence is needed, this study adds a significant piece to the puzzle: exposure to PFAS at birth may be linked to a higher risk of lymphoblastic leukaemia.