Exploring Associations Between Prenatal PFAS Exposure and Childhood Asthma

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of man-made chemicals used extensively in consumer and industrial products, making them ubiquitous in the built and natural environment. These chemicals pose a cause for concern, as there is increasing experimental and epidemiological evidence suggesting that exposure is associated with adverse health outcomes, especially prenatal PFAS exposure during critical periods of development. This study explored the associations between prenatal PFAS exposure, measured via maternal serum levels collected during pregnancy, and childhood asthma incidence in a cohort of 155 women, and 165 of their children from North Carolina. PFAS were detected in all serum samples and levels were similar to those in the general population. Statistical analyses incorporated potential predictors and covariates, including sex, age and race. After adjusting for these factors, statistically significant associations with asthma were found. Future efforts are needed to examine prenatal PFAS exposures and respiratory outcomes in later life.