A new study conducted by Emory University indicates that exposure to a group of chemicals known as polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) affects the growth and weight of a baby both before and after being born, and is likely one of the reasons for low birth weight. PFCs are commonly found in non-stick cookware and other household products.

During the study, pregnant mothers exposed to excessive levels of PFCs gave birth to unusually small babies. These same babies were then found to be unusually large at 20 months in comparison to babies born to mothers who had been exposed to fewer PFCs. The researchers accounted for factors known to influence birth and post-birth weight, such as the weight and smoking habits of the mothers, while conducting their study. The results are troubling because of the prevalence of the chemicals.

The Effects Last Well Beyond Childhood

Previous studies have found a similar link between maternal exposure to PFCs and the early development of her child. One recent Danish study indicated that females exposed to high levels of PFCs in-utero had a greater risk of being overweight at age 20. However, for now, it’s unclear as to exactly how PFC exposure influences birth weight and post-birth weight. Michele Marcus, one of the lead researchers behind the new Emory University study, predicts that PFCs may influence fat metabolism.

Other studies have found additional negative effects of PFC exposure beyond those involving weight, including:

• Weakened immune system

• Liver inflammation

• Unusual thyroid hormone levels

• Increased cholesterol levels

PFC use is widespread in various areas in manufacturing, and the majority of individuals have at least some PFC content in their bodies. Unfortunately, PFCs break down very slowly and may remain in the body for years following exposure. In addition to non-stick cookware, PFCs are found in water-resistant garments such as raincoats, as well as coatings applied to product packaging.

Conducting the Study

In order to conduct their study, Marcus and a team of other researchers collected and analyzed data from roughly 450 English women, all of whom were pregnant with daughters during two years in the early 90s. Specifically, the researchers tested blood samples extracted from the women during their pregnancies to test for PFC blood concentration. The researchers also measured the weight of the women’s babies at birth and at 20 months.

Exactly 100% of the women were found to have at least some PFCs in their bodies, as per the blood tests. The women with the highest concentrations of PFCs in their bodies gave birth to daughters weighing an average of 5 ounces less than babies born to mothers with the lowest PFC levels. The high-PFC girls weighed around 1.3 pounds more at 20 months.

Limitations of the Study

The study did come with a few notable limitations. First, the researchers did not measure the babies’ exposure to PFC chemicals following birth. It’s possible that ongoing exposure to PFCs, not just exposure to PFCs in the womb, influenced growth and development.

In addition, environmental PFC levels were higher 20 years ago, when the blood samples were collected. It’s difficult to say whether modern PFC exposure levels are significant enough to produce the same effects in women who become pregnant now.

Tips for Lowering PFC Exposure

Marcus offered a few tips for women (and men) looking to lower their exposure to PFCs, including the following:

• Avoid non-stick cookware whenever possible, and try to use stainless steel or cast iron cookware instead

• Avoiding heating microwaveable food in the packaging it comes in

• Avoid microwaving food in any types of plastic containers

Some additional tips for lowering PFC exposure come courtesy of the Environmental Working Group:

• Avoid stain treatments on furniture and carpets

• Avoid clothing with Scotchgard or Teflon labels

• Avoid fast food and packaged foods, which sometimes are packaged in wrappers treated with PFCs

• Avoid paper plates in favor of ceramic

• Avoid microwave popcorn

• Avoid products including perfluoro or PTFE in their ingredients

Reasons for Low Birth Weight: The Bottom Line

Researchers at Emory University recently conducted a study linking birth weight and post-birth weight with exposure to PFCs, a group of chemicals used in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing and product packaging. The full text of the study can be found online in the medical journal Environmental Health Perspectives.