Long-term exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ linked to changes in blood cholesterol

14th May 2025 – by Aaruthy Suthahar

Our recent study has shown that long-term exposure to certain man-made chemicals – known as PFAS – may be linked to changes in blood cholesterol levels, even in healthy individuals. 

PFAS stands for per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals used in a wide range of household and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. Two of the most studied types are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulphonic acid). These chemicals are known for being highly persistent in the environment and in the human body, meaning they don’t easily break down over time. 

In this study, researchers looked at data from over 2,000 twins from the TwinsUK cohort. They examined levels of PFAS in the blood and how they were associated with cholesterol and other lipid markers over an 18-year period, using data collected at three different timepoints between 1996 and 2014. 

The findings show that although levels of PFOA and PFOS in the blood have decreased over time – likely due to regulatory changes – higher levels of these chemicals were still consistently linked to less favourable lipid profiles. Specifically, people with higher PFAS levels tended to have higher total cholesterol and LDL (often referred to as “bad cholesterol”), and lower HDL (“good cholesterol”). 

These associations were seen not only at single timepoints, but also across the full 18-year period, suggesting that chronic, low-level exposure to PFAS may contribute to long-term changes in blood lipid levels, even in people without any underlying health conditions. 

Lead author Yasrab Raza said:
“PFAS are often called ‘forever chemicals’ because they linger in the environment and in our bodies. Our study shows that even in healthy, everyday populations, long-term exposure may have subtle but significant effects on cholesterol levels.” 

Senior author Dr Kerrin Small added:
“Thanks to the rich, long-term data from TwinsUK participants, we were able to track these effects over nearly two decades. This research highlights the value of studying environmental exposures in the general population – not just in those with known illnesses or in individuals from geo-graphic locations that have had high exposure.” 

While more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects, the findings underscore growing concerns about the health impacts of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. Studies like this one play a crucial role in helping researchers and policymakers better understand – and eventually reduce – the risks linked to these persistent substances.