Do PFAS chemicals reduce vaccine effectiveness in infants?

The immune system vs. forever chemicals

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are everywhere. They are in our nonstick pans, water-repellent clothing, and even the dust in our homes. We know these chemicals are linked to immune system suppression in children, which is why researchers recently investigated if PFAS chemicals reduce vaccine effectiveness in infants. The study, published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, tracked 200 infants in Burkina Faso to see how these chemicals impacted their response to measles vaccinations.

What the data says

The results were nuanced. While previous studies have suggested a clear link between high levels of PFAS and lower antibody responses, this specific research looked at a population with lower overall exposure. The team found that while infant PFAS levels showed some association with pre-vaccination antibody concentrations, those results were largely driven by a few outliers. Ultimately, they did not find a consistent, direct link between maternal or infant PFAS levels and the vaccine response after one or two doses in this specific group.

How to limit your baby's exposure

Just because this specific study didn't find a smoking gun doesn't mean these chemicals are harmless. PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative, and linked to a range of endocrine and immune issues. The best approach is to reduce your household's exposure at the source. Start by ditching nonstick cookware and replacing synthetic, stain-resistant fabrics in the nursery. You don't have to overhaul your home in a day, but making intentional swaps is the best way to keep your environment clean. We have curated a collection of non-toxic baby alternatives to help you get started with safer gear for your little one.

Source: Mikkelsen SD, Fisker AB, Nebie EI, Zakane SA, Sie A (2026). Environ Toxicol Pharmacol.