Pregnant woman surrounded by household objects with fetus outline, symbolizing PFAS exposure.

PFAS: Are Everyday Chemicals Passing Toxins to Your Baby?

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals how PFAS chemicals in household products transfer from mother to fetus, impacting development. Learn what this means for you and your baby's health."

In today's world, we're surrounded by a vast array of chemicals in everyday products, from cleaning supplies to food packaging. Among these are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. While these chemicals make our lives easier, a growing body of research raises concerns about their potential impact on our health, especially for pregnant women and their developing babies.

A groundbreaking study has shed new light on how PFAS chemicals can transfer from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy. This process, known as maternal-fetal transfer, can potentially affect the baby's development and long-term health. Understanding how this transfer happens and what factors influence it is crucial for making informed decisions to protect your family.

This article explores the key findings of this study, breaking down the complex science into easy-to-understand terms. We'll delve into the types of PFAS chemicals, how they move from mother to baby, and what steps you can take to minimize your exposure and safeguard your little one's future.

What are PFAS and Why Should You Care?

Pregnant woman surrounded by household objects with fetus outline, symbolizing PFAS exposure.

PFAS are a family of synthetic chemicals used in countless consumer and industrial products since the 1950s. Their ability to repel water, oil, and grease makes them ideal for non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and food packaging. However, these same properties also make them incredibly persistent in the environment and in our bodies.

The problem with PFAS is that they don't break down easily. They can linger in the environment for decades, contaminating soil, water, and air. Similarly, when we're exposed to PFAS, they can accumulate in our bodies over time. This bioaccumulation is particularly concerning for pregnant women because PFAS can cross the placenta and expose the developing fetus.

Widespread Use: PFAS are found in numerous everyday products.
Environmental Persistence: They don't break down easily, leading to long-term contamination.
Bioaccumulation: PFAS can accumulate in the body over time.
Health Concerns: Studies link PFAS exposure to various health issues.

Health concerns associated with PFAS exposure range from developmental effects in fetuses and children to immune system dysfunction, liver damage, and increased risk of certain cancers. For pregnant women, the potential impact on fetal growth and development is a primary concern. That's why understanding how PFAS transfer from mother to baby is so important.

Protecting Your Baby: Simple Steps You Can Take

While the presence of PFAS in our environment is concerning, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure and protect your baby. By making informed choices about the products you use and being mindful of potential sources of contamination, you can create a safer environment for yourself and your family. The key is to stay informed, be proactive, and advocate for policies that prioritize public health and environmental safety. Remember, every small step counts towards a healthier future for your little one.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s11356-018-3686-3, Alternate LINK

Title: Efficiency Of Maternal-Fetal Transfer Of Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Subject: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Yiwen Wang, Wenchao Han, Caifeng Wang, Yijun Zhou, Rong Shi, Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen, Qian Yao, Tao Yuan, Yu Gao, Jun Zhang, Ying Tian

Published: 2018-11-27

Everything You Need To Know

What are PFAS chemicals, and why are they a concern for pregnant women?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in numerous consumer and industrial products since the 1950s due to their water, oil, and grease-repellent properties. They are found in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. The concern for pregnant women is that PFAS don't break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to bioaccumulation. During pregnancy, these chemicals can cross the placenta, exposing the developing fetus and potentially impacting their development and long-term health. This maternal-fetal transfer is a key concern.

How does the maternal-fetal transfer of PFAS impact a baby's health and development?

The maternal-fetal transfer of PFAS involves the movement of these chemicals from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy. This exposure can potentially affect the baby's development and long-term health. Studies link PFAS exposure to various health issues, including developmental effects in fetuses and children. While the specifics of the impact can vary, the overarching concern is the potential for compromised fetal growth and development due to PFAS exposure during this critical period.

Where are PFAS commonly found, and what makes them so persistent in the environment and our bodies?

PFAS are commonly found in a wide array of consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and food packaging. Their persistence stems from their strong chemical bonds, which prevent them from breaking down easily in the environment. This means they can linger in soil, water, and air for decades, leading to long-term contamination. Similarly, when humans are exposed, PFAS accumulate in the body over time, a process called bioaccumulation. This combination of widespread use and environmental persistence contributes to the ongoing concern about PFAS exposure.

What specific health risks are associated with exposure to PFAS, particularly for pregnant women and their children?

Exposure to PFAS is associated with a range of health risks, including developmental effects in fetuses and children, immune system dysfunction, liver damage, and an increased risk of certain cancers. For pregnant women, the primary concern is the potential impact on fetal growth and development. Because PFAS can cross the placenta, the developing fetus is directly exposed, which can lead to developmental problems and long-term health issues. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions to minimize exposure during pregnancy.

What practical steps can individuals take to minimize their exposure to PFAS and protect their families, especially during pregnancy?

To minimize PFAS exposure and protect your family, several practical steps can be taken. Stay informed about potential sources of PFAS in your environment and the products you use. Choose products that are less likely to contain PFAS, such as avoiding non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics when possible. Be mindful of potential sources of contamination in your water supply and consider using water filters certified to remove PFAS. Advocate for policies that prioritize public health and environmental safety, promoting regulations that limit PFAS use and contamination. By making informed choices and staying proactive, you can reduce your exposure and create a safer environment for your family.