Is PFAS exposure linked with kidney function changes?
Yes, as an association. A 2026 Journal of Hazardous Materials study linked legacy and emerging PFAS with lower estimated kidney filtration rate, with inflammation explaining part of the link.
What is actually in it
PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They can be used for grease resistance, stain resistance, water resistance, and nonstick performance. Exposure can come from some nonstick coatings, grease-resistant packaging, treated textiles, dust, drinking water, and industrial pollution.
Your kidneys filter blood all day. That makes kidney function an important place to watch when a chemical can stay in the body for a long time.
What the research says
A 2026 Journal of Hazardous Materials study combined human epidemiology with animal experiments. In the human analysis, both legacy and emerging PFAS were associated with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR. eGFR is a common measure of kidney filtration.
One emerging PFAS, 6:2 Cl-PFESA, was the largest contributor to lower eGFR in the mixture model, with a weight of 0.321. Each one-unit increase in log-transformed 6:2 Cl-PFESA was linked with lower eGFR, beta -1.56.
The study also looked at inflammation. White blood cell count explained 7.91% of the 6:2 Cl-PFESA and eGFR association in people. In mice, Cl-PFESA exposure increased serum creatinine, and tumor necrosis factor alpha explained part of that animal kidney signal.
This does not prove that one nonstick product damages kidneys. It does support reducing repeat PFAS exposure where easy swaps exist.
What to do next
Start with the sources you use often. Replace worn nonstick when you are ready. Avoid stain-resistant sprays. Choose untreated textiles, glass, stainless steel, ceramic, wood, wool, cotton, or linen when replacing everyday products.