How PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Affect Fertility of Males and Health of Their Offspring

PFAS are a group of thousands of chemicals known to persist in the environment and the human body, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Also known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (we’ll stick to calling them PFAS), these manufactured chemicals have been widely used in various industries for decades.

However, they are becoming increasingly prevalent in our day-to-day lives because they bioaccumulate and are very slow to degrade.

While not all chemicals are harmful, research is emerging about how the increase in PFAS in our environment and bodies can affect our health, ranging from pregnancy outcomes and fertility to thyroid disease and some cancers.¹  

A recent study published in Environment International by researchers from ​​Wayne State University in Michigan have found that PFAS also impact male reproduction—including negatively impacting their offspring’s health.² 

What Are PFAS?

PFAS have been used since the 1940s to repel water and resist heat, grease, and stains. For these reasons, products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and certain food packaging materials use PFAS. 

While one-time exposure to these chemicals isn’t world ending, the problem is that they persist in the environment and our bodies. They don’t break down easily and can accumulate in water, air, animals, and humans. PFAS enter and persist in water systems because of industrial discharge, landfill runoff, and PFAS-containing firefighting foams.

Previous studies have shown that elevated PFAS exposure is linked to worsened female fertility and reproductive health.³ One reason for declining fertility in both males and females may be the increase in endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as PFAS. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with normal hormone production, primarily affecting reproductive and thyroid hormones.

Other potential health issues from elevated PFAS exposure include developmental effects in fetuses and infants, cancer, liver damage, and immune system changes.⁴

PFAS Negatively Impact Male Fertility and Epigenetics

In this recent animal study, researchers demonstrated a link between exposure to PFAS in male mice and health issues in their offspring.²

They looked at the effect of PFAS on the sperm methylome (DNA methylation changes to sperm) in male mice, as well as transcriptional changes (variations in how DNA is copied into RNA) in the metabolic tissues of their offspring after exposure. 

In mice exposed to PFAS in their drinking water for 18 weeks, significant changes to sperm DNA methylation were seen, which is implicated in infertility and abnormal male sperm parameters. A potential mechanism behind this link is that PFAS exposure reduces testosterone levels and inhibits sperm cell production and maturation.⁵  

The researchers also confirmed that PFAS accumulates in testicular tissue. This raises concerns about how PFAS could influence epigenetic patterns and affect offspring by altering the process of sperm development and maturation.

The research verified: the mice dads exposed to PFAS also had offspring that showed adverse health effects.

These offspring had significantly different gene expression in the liver, including changes to cholesterol metabolism. The male mice’s babies’ cholesterol levels were higher in the PFAS-exposed fathers compared to controls. Interestingly, female offspring were not affected. 

Lastly, gene expression related to neurodevelopment and lipid metabolism changed in the offspring of PFAS-exposed male mice.

How To Minimize Your PFAS Exposure

Now that research is revealing the adverse health effects of PFAS exposure to both men and women, minimizing exposure is more important than ever. 

Here are some top ways to minimize PFAS exposure:

• Filter Your Drinking Water: Although the EPA is finally starting to regulate PFAS, including them in the Clean Water Act, filtering your water is still an excellent step to remove PFAS. Consider installing a certified water filter designed to remove PFAS, or look for filters certified by organizations like NSF International or the Water Quality Association. Common household water filtration methods like activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and certain ion exchange resins have been shown to be effective at removing or reducing PFAS in water.⁶ 
• Avoid Non-Stick Cookware: Non-stick cookware coatings (like Teflon) contain PFAS that can leach into food during cooking. Cook with alternatives to non-stick cookware, such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic pots and pans. 
• Limit Fast Food and Processed Foods: PFAS can be found in food packaging materials, especially those used for fast food and processed foods. Some examples are fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and French fry bags. To reduce exposure, try to cook at home using minimally packaged ingredients as often as possible.
• Choose PFAS-Free Personal Care Products: Some personal care products, such as cosmetics, sunscreen, and dental floss, may contain PFAS. 
• Avoid Stain-Resistant and Water-Repellent Products: Stain-resistant carpets, furniture, and clothing (like rainjackets, tents, and umbrellas) often contain PFAS. 
• Check Household Products: Some household products, like certain types of cleaning products, paints, and sealants, may contain PFAS. 

• Be Mindful of Where You Explore Outdoors: PFAS can be found in the soil, water, and air near industrial sites, wastewater treatment centers, landfills, or areas where firefighting foam has been used. 
• Properly Dispose of PFAS-Containing Products: When disposing of products containing PFAS, such as non-stick cookware or stain-resistant fabrics, follow proper disposal guidelines to prevent further environmental contamination.