In every umbilical cord blood sample taken in 40 studies over the past five years, researchers found toxic ‘forever chemicals,’ in some cases even linking the PFAS exposure to health issues in fetuses, babies, and older children.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are known as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment. There are thousands of these chemicals, which are used to make non-stick, water-resistant, and heat-resistant products, among other items.

Uloma Uche, an environmental health science fellow with the Environmental Working Group, which analyzed the studies, said, ‘I’m a mother of two; I have a 7- and 3-year-old, and knowing that I could have exposed my children to PFAS is disturbing.’

Uche continued, ‘With this review we are telling the EPA and FDA to please take simple steps to reduce PFAS exposures, and to protect our children.’