• New research suggests that certain “permanent chemicals” may silently accelerate biological aging at the cellular level.
• Researchers have found that high levels of certain PFAS are associated with several years of accelerated aging, especially in middle-aged men.
• Given the widespread exposure to PFAS in the United States, the findings raise new concerns about long-term health risks.

‘Forever chemicals’ are linked to accelerated aging at the cellular level, especially in middle-aged men, new research suggests.

This discovery further raises concerns about widespread exposure to PFAS chemicals.

PFAS are used in products such as: Teflon-coated cookwarewaterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and some firefighting foam. This is because it repels water, oil, and heat, making the material more durable and scratch-resistant. This nickname reflects the fact that these chemicals break down very slowly and can remain in the environment and the human body for years.

Epigenetic aging estimates biological age at the cellular level based on chemical markers found on DNA. Researchers also found that certain PFAS compounds affect individuals differently. This association existed across a wide range of study populations, but was most pronounced among middle-aged men.

“While this study does not prove causation, it does suggest that PFAS exposure may be associated with molecular changes associated with aging and long-term health risks.” Li Shanweiprofessor of epidemiology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and senior author of the study, told Healthline.

Most research on forever chemicals has focused on two compounds, PFOS and PFOA, which were largely phased out in the United States in the early 2000s and are now considered “legacy” PFAS.

Researchers are now turning their focus to other less-studied PFAS compounds, which, like traditional chemicals, persist in the environment and are potentially toxic. This study also examined two PFAS compounds: perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA).

Findings are tracked as follows Previous research In this region, said Andres CardenasPh.D., assistant professor of epidemiology and population health at Stanford University. Cárdenas was not involved in the study.

“Our group looked at this very data and question before 2025. Similarly, we found strong evidence that PFNA accelerates multiple epigenetic clocks in men,” he said.

Blood samples were tested for several PFAS chemicals, including PFNA and PFSA, which were detected in more than 95% of participants.

Next, the team looked at epigenetic “clocks,” tools that estimate biological age based on chemical markers bound to DNA. Specifically, it measures DNA methylation patterns to show how quickly the body is aging at a molecular level.

“Unlike real age“Epigenetic age tracks the molecular ‘wear and tear’ of genome regulation,” Cárdenas said.

Various epigenetic clocks have been developed over time to capture different biological processes associated with aging. inflammation and mortality risk.

of grim age clockFor example, it is designed to incorporate signals related to inflammation and cardiovascular risk to predict risk of death and age-related diseases. On the other hand, LinAge is more closely related to longevity prediction and fat metabolism.

The researchers used these clocks to calculate whether a person’s biological age looked older or younger than their actual age, and tested whether elevated PFAS levels were associated with accelerated biological aging.

Researchers found that high levels of PFNA were associated with accelerated aging by two to four years, as measured by GrimAge. This association was strongest among adults aged 50 to 64 years and men.

PFSA showed a clear association with LinAge-promoted aging, suggesting that different PFAS chemicals may influence aging through different biological pathways.

The study doesn’t explain why the association is strongest among middle-aged men, but Lee offers several hypotheses.

“Midlife is often a time when cardiometabolic function, inflammation, and stress response systems begin to change more rapidly,” he says. “Taken together, these factors may make age-related molecular pathways more sensitive or vulnerable to environmental stressors during midlife.”

Men may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of PFAS than women due to biological differences such as hormones, body composition, and metabolism.

Although this study cannot prove that these chemicals cause accelerated aging, it does suggest that certain PFAS may be associated with measurable changes in the body’s biological aging process, particularly in midlife.

Almost every American has some level of PFAS in their blood. However, levels of some specific chemicals, such as the traditional chemicals PFOS and PFOA, decreased significantly over time.

Since 2000, blood PFOS levels have decreased by more than 85% and PFOA levels have decreased by more than 70%.

“While it is unrealistic to avoid PFAS completely, it is possible to reduce exposure,” Lee said.

Since then drinking water Since it can be a permanent source of chemicals, you can reduce your exposure by using certain water filters. Reverse osmosis filters and granular activated carbon filters can help, but their effectiveness varies.

“Drinking water and diet are likely the primary exposure routes for the majority of the population. If you live in an area affected by PFAS contamination, checking water quality reports from local government sources and cities can be helpful when determining which filters you may use,” Cárdenas said.

• Replace nonstick cookware (especially old, scratched pots) with steel or glass ones.
• Reduce takeout and fast food intake (PFAS are often found in wrappers and containers)
• Avoid waterproof and stain-resistant clothing, furniture, and upholstery.

“In general, choosing greener consumer products and PFAS-free products, such as cookware and consumer products, is a good step,” Cárdenas said.