“Forever chemicals (PFAS)” have been in the spotlight because of their toxicity. Now they’re at it again, with more new evidence that they might also affect how kids’ bones develop during critical growth years. New research suggests that early exposure to PFAS could be linked to lower bone density in teens, especially with certain types of exposure and possibly more in girls.

In case you haven’t heard, PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals found in products like nonstick pans, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics. They are called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly and can stay in water, soil, and our bodies for a long time.

Childhood and adolescence are not just “practice years” for bone health. They’re the main years when the body builds peak bone mass, which helps set the stage for lifelong bone strength and lowers the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later on. That’s why researchers are paying close attention to anything that might disrupt bone building during these stages. If a chemical exposure nudges bone development off track in childhood, the effects could show up years later.

In the latest study, researchers tracked 218 teens over time and measured their PFAS levels at birth and again at ages 3, 8, and 12. They found that higher PFOA levels in blood were associated with lower forearm bone density at age 12. For some PFAS chemicals, the timing of exposure also seemed to matter.

This lines up with what earlier studies have found. For example, a 2022 study of children in the Faroe Islands showed that kids exposed to PFAS had lower bone density at age 9, especially when exposed to PFNA at age 5. The study also suggested that bones may be especially affected by PFAS and that bone density in childhood can carry over into young adulthood.

NIEHS highlighted the 2022 findings as evidence that early PFAS exposure may impact bone mass accrual, possibly affecting long-term osteoporosis risk. Earlier cross-sectional research in children and adolescents also noted links between higher PFAS levels and lower bone density measures.

This does not mean that every child exposed to PFAS will have weak bones. However, the evidence is growing that these chemicals may not be safe, especially for kids as they grow.

Childhood is when kids build the bone strength they need for life, making it vital to avoid harmful exposures. New research indicates PFAS could undermine bone development, making it essential to take these chemicals seriously.

The main takeaway is that you should take steps to reduce PFAS exposure whenever possible. While scientists and health agencies are still studying how PFAS affect our health, these findings about bones offer another clear reason to be proactive in limiting PFAS in water, food packaging, and everyday products.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321004440.htm

https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968

https://sph.unc.edu/sph-news/new-study-finds-pfas-exposure-may-weaken-teens-bones/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36402982