These “Forever Chemicals” Could Be Weakening Kids’ Bones for Life
March 21, 2026 | Source: Science Daily | by The Endocrine Society
“Adolescence is a key period for building strong bones, and achieving optimal bone mass during this time can reduce lifelong risks of fractures and osteoporosis,” said Jessie P. Buckley, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, N.C. “Our findings suggest reducing PFAS exposure during key developmental windows could support healthier bones throughout life.”
Study Tracks PFAS Levels and Bone Density
To explore this link, researchers analyzed blood samples from 218 adolescents who were part of a long-term pregnancy and birth cohort. PFAS levels were measured at multiple stages, including at delivery and at ages 3, 8, and 12 years old. Bone density was then assessed when participants reached age 12.
The study found that teens with higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in their blood had lower bone density in the forearm.