PFAS in Early Childhood Alters Brain Development

Kids exposed to PFAS in early childhood are showing neurobehavioral changes. The forever chemicals aren't just in their blood. They're affecting how their brains develop.

What the Study Found

A 2026 study in Environmental Research examined the association between early-childhood PFAS exposure and neurobehavioral development. Children with higher PFAS levels showed differences in behavior, attention, and cognitive development.

Early childhood is when the brain is building its foundational circuits. Disrupting this process can have lasting effects on learning, emotional regulation, and social behavior.

PFAS Reaches Kids Everywhere

Children are exposed through contaminated drinking water, breast milk, food packaging, stain-resistant carpets and furniture, and hand-to-mouth contact with treated surfaces. Because they're small, their dose per pound of body weight is much higher than an adult's.

What You Can Do

Filter your water. Avoid nonstick cookware. Skip stain-resistant furniture treatments, especially in kids' rooms. Use PFAS-free food containers.

Browse our non-toxic baby products for PFAS-free options.

Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.

Source: Early-Childhood PFAS Study (2026). Environ Res.