PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Gut Health Issues and Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know

Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Ecologica Life

Recent research has revealed a concerning connection between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’, and impaired gut health in young adults – a condition that may predispose individuals to kidney disease later in life.

In this article we will briefly examine the findings of the study, what its implications are for public health, the environmental impact of PFAS and what we are doing to tackle this important issue.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of about 15,000 compounds. They are often used to make consumer products water, stain, and grease resistant. Examples include non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and fast-food packaging.

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they are highly resistant to degradation. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them incredibly persistent, meaning they can accumulate over time in water, soil, wildlife and even human tissues over time. Because of this durability, PFAS contamination is widespread, and once these chemicals enter the ecosystems or the food chain, they remain for decades, posing long-term health and environmental risks.¹

PFAS have been linked to disease and severe health issues, such as cancer and immune system dysfunction.²³⁴⁵⁶⁷

Read more about PFAS in our guide to forever chemicals (PFAS)

The Study: PFAS and Gut Health

Researchers from the University of Southern California conducted a study focusing on a cohort of primarily Hispanic young adults.⁸ Over four years, they collected blood and stool samples to measure PFAS levels and assess changes in the gut microbiome.

The results showed that exposure to PFAS led to a decrease in anti-inflammatory metabolites and beneficial bacteria, and an increase in inflammatory metabolites. This imbalance contributes to a decline in kidney function, highlighting the potential long-term health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

Public Health Implications

The study highlights the need for increased awareness and policy measures to mitigate PFAS exposure. Given their widespread use and persistence in the environment, PFAS pose a significant public health challenge.

The research suggests that dietary interventions and the development of new treatments may be needed to address PFAS-related health issues, particularly in relation to kidney disease.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

Persistence and Bioaccumulation

PFAS are characterised by their resistance to environmental degradation, leading to their accumulation in soil, water, and living organisms. This persistence leads to bioaccumulation, where concentrations of PFAS increase over time.

Studies have detected PFAS in diverse wildlife, such as dolphins, otters, fish, and birds, indicating extensive environmental dissemination.⁹¹⁰

Soil and Water Contamination

The release of PFAS into the environment occurs through various pathways, including industrial discharges, use of firefighting foams, and degradation of consumer products. Once introduced, these chemicals can leach into soil and groundwater, leading to contamination of drinking water sources.

Challenges in Remediation

Addressing PFAS contamination is complex due to their chemical stability and widespread distribution. Approaches such as the use of advanced filtration systems and chemical treatments are currently in development.¹¹

The ubiquitous nature of PFAS and their persistent presence in the environment underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to manage and remediate contamination and to regulate and reduce the use of these persistent chemicals.

Conclusion

The emerging evidence linking PFAS exposure to impaired gut health and potential kidney disease highlights the complex relationship between environmental contaminants and human health. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies, including stricter regulations on the use of PFAS, environmental remediation efforts, and public education to minimise exposure.

As research and our understanding progresses, it is imperative to develop and implement solutions that protect both the environment and human health from the adverse effects of PFAS.

1. Comprehensive analysis of PFAS presence from environment to plate ↩︎
2. Environmental Pollutant, PFOA, Associated with Increased Risk of Kidney Cancer ↩︎
3. Associations between Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure and Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis ↩︎
4. Serum levels of per- and polyfluorinated substances and risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and thyroid cancer ↩︎
5. PFAS and cancer, a scoping review of the epidemiologic evidence ↩︎
6. Public Health Risks of PFAS-Related Immunotoxicity Are Real ↩︎
7. EFSA Project on the use of NAMs to explore the immunotoxicity of PFAS ↩︎
8. The potential mediating role of the gut microbiome and metabolites in the association between PFAS and kidney function in young adults: A proof-of-concept study ↩︎
9. Anthropogenic Drivers of Variation in Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Otters (Lutra lutra) from England and Wales ↩︎
10. The Watershed Pollution Map ↩︎
11. Zapping PFAS Away ↩︎