A Scoping Review of the Role of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Pediatric Populations
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine disrupting chemicals that can have a profound and negative impact on children's growth and development, leading to a higher risk of endocrine-related diseases and disorders. PFAs can be absorbed through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact and accumulate in the body due to resistance to degradation. Furthermore, children have been found to absorb 50% more of these chemicals compared to adults, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, widespread exposure to PFAS has been documented in the US population. The objective of this scoping review is to further explore the effects of these endocrine disruptors on childhood development and metabolic health and provide a comprehensive review of the impact of PFAS on pediatric health. Through the use of multiple databases such as Google scholar and National Center for Biotechnology Information, peer-reviewed studies that examined the negative health impacts of PFAs in children and adolescents were explored. Based on the available literature, PFAs have been linked it to various health outcomes, including increased body weight and BMI, reduced vaccine response, hormonal imbalances, adverse effects on fetal growth and development, and lower birth weight. By examining potential interventions to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, a healthier future can be established for the pediatric population and generations to come, leading to a safer and healthier environment for all.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Erin Biggs
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
A Scoping Review of the Role of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Pediatric Populations
Alvin Sherman Library
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine disrupting chemicals that can have a profound and negative impact on children's growth and development, leading to a higher risk of endocrine-related diseases and disorders. PFAs can be absorbed through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact and accumulate in the body due to resistance to degradation. Furthermore, children have been found to absorb 50% more of these chemicals compared to adults, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, widespread exposure to PFAS has been documented in the US population. The objective of this scoping review is to further explore the effects of these endocrine disruptors on childhood development and metabolic health and provide a comprehensive review of the impact of PFAS on pediatric health. Through the use of multiple databases such as Google scholar and National Center for Biotechnology Information, peer-reviewed studies that examined the negative health impacts of PFAs in children and adolescents were explored. Based on the available literature, PFAs have been linked it to various health outcomes, including increased body weight and BMI, reduced vaccine response, hormonal imbalances, adverse effects on fetal growth and development, and lower birth weight. By examining potential interventions to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, a healthier future can be established for the pediatric population and generations to come, leading to a safer and healthier environment for all.
