Researchers at Michigan State University have found that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, may weaken the immune system in adults.
The study, led by environmental health researcher Courtney Carignan, indicates that individuals with higher levels of these 'forever chemicals' in their blood produce fewer protective antibodies when encountering new viruses.
PFAS are human-made chemicals used in products like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. These substances do not break down easily and can accumulate in the human body over long periods.
One specific compound, perfluorohexanesulfontic acid (PFHxS), can remain in the body for nearly a decade. This persistence makes it a critical marker for measuring long-term exposure.
Impact on antibody production
Carignan described antibodies as 'tiny soldiers' that help the body recognize and fight off infections. When these antibodies are not produced in sufficient numbers, the body's ability to fight disease diminishes.
"These results raise important concerns about how long-term exposure to PFAS reduces the body’s ability to respond to infections, even in adulthood," Carignan said.
The study found the effect was most pronounced among men, older adults, and individuals who are overweight—groups that often carry higher levels of PFAS.
For some, the biological impact is already personal. Tobyn McNaughton, a Michigan mother, said her family's exposure to contaminated drinking water led to her son's childhood vaccines being less effective due to a compromised immune system.
"We’re poisoned people," McNaughton said, noting that the discovery changed how her family views health.
Carignan noted that while previous studies on adults produced mixed results, the recent pandemic allowed researchers to observe how the immune system responds to a new virus in real-time. This provided a clearer window into how PFAS affects antibody production.
The findings arrive as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to implement new drinking water standards for certain PFAS compounds. Carignan emphasized that reducing levels in drinking water is a primary way to protect public health.
"Exposure to PFAS is widespread, but it is also preventable," Carignan said.
