Overview
- Published Feb. 26 in Frontiers in Aging, the peer-reviewed analysis examined 1999–2000 NHANES blood from 326 adults, measuring 11 PFAS and estimating biological age with 12 DNA methylation clocks.
- PFNA and PFOSA were detected in about 95% of samples, with higher levels associated with faster epigenetic aging mostly in men aged 50 to 64.
- The dataset showed no comparable associations in women, and other frequently detected PFAS (including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, EPAH and MPAH) did not track consistently with accelerated aging.
- The authors stress the findings show associations rather than causation and recommend regulators assess non-legacy PFAS alongside legacy chemicals already targeted under the Stockholm Convention.
- The American Chemistry Council characterized the work as exploratory given the small, older sample set, while experts call for confirmatory research and suggest practical exposure reductions such as certified water filters and limiting packaged foods.