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. …