PFAS During Pregnancy Is Linked to Lower IQ Scores in Children

PFOA and PFHxS during mid-to-late pregnancy were linked to children's verbal comprehension at age 4 to 6. In boys, childhood PFAS exposure was connected to reduced visuospatial reasoning and slower processing speed. The timing of exposure matters: there are critical windows when the developing brain is most vulnerable to these chemicals.

What the study found

A 2026 longitudinal study in Environment International followed 572 mother-child pairs and measured PFAS levels at five points: early, mid, and late pregnancy; cord blood at birth; and children's blood at age 4 to 6. IQ was then tested using a standardized scale.

The effects were sex-specific. Boys showed reduced visuospatial and processing speed scores in relation to childhood PFAS exposure. Girls showed verbal comprehension changes linked to prenatal PFOA and PFHxS. Different PFAS compounds affected different cognitive domains at different developmental stages.

Why this matters for everyday decisions

PFOA is phased out of US manufacturing but still found in the environment and imported goods. PFHxS is still in active use. Both bioaccumulate in human blood. Nonstick cookware, stain-resistant sprays, grease-resistant food packaging, and water-resistant gear are the primary sources for most families.

During pregnancy especially, reducing PFAS exposure means switching away from nonstick surfaces and PFAS-treated products. Cast iron, stainless steel, and untreated ceramics don't shed PFAS. Stainless steel cookware is the direct replacement. For food packaging and storage, glass containers skip the PFAS-coated alternatives entirely.

Protect your family first

Baby and family protection scan: Review nursery, feeding, and daily-contact setup together with a short score pass.

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Shop baby-safe essentials · Check ingredient safety before buying · Build safer room habits.

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Source: Xing Y et al. (2026). Environment International.