'Forever chemicals' may accelerate aging in men more than in women, study reveals
A recent study has uncovered a worrying link between 'forever chemicals' and faster biological aging in men. Known as PFAS, these substances are found in the blood of nearly all Americans. Researchers now warn that their effects on aging differ sharply between men and women.
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, persist in the environment and human body for years. Their nickname, 'forever chemicals,' reflects this slow breakdown. The study focused on men aged 50 to 65 and found that higher PFAS exposure correlated with accelerated epigenetic aging—a measure of biological age beyond chronological years.
The team used epigenetic clocks to assess aging in blood and tissues. Men showed more pronounced effects than women, a pattern researchers called a 'sex-specific effect.' Some PFAS, like PFNA and PFOSA, were linked to faster epigenetic aging, though these compounds are less studied than others.
Women appear to eliminate certain PFAS more quickly due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menstrual blood loss. In contrast, men face greater risks from accumulation, including lower testosterone, poorer sperm quality, and higher cancer risks. The study did not detail all PFAS compounds analysed but highlighted their broader health threats.
The findings suggest PFAS exposure speeds up biological aging in men more than in women. With 98% of Americans carrying these chemicals in their blood, the implications for long-term health are significant. Researchers stress the need for further investigation into how specific PFAS compounds affect aging and disease risk.
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