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Early-Life Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Child Language and Communication Development: A

Charlotte Stübner1,2, Christel Nielsen3,4, Kristina Jakobsson5,6

  • 1Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|December 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Early exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) did not show consistent adverse effects on children's language development. More research using specific language tests is needed to confirm these findings.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Early-life exposure to environmental contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may impact neurodevelopment.
  • Language and communication skills are sensitive indicators of cognitive development in children.
  • Understanding the effects of prenatal and early postnatal PFAS exposure on language acquisition is crucial.

Approach:

  • A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases, last updated in April 2023.
  • Included studies focused on children and young adults with pre- or postnatal PFAS exposure.
  • Language and communication outcomes were assessed via validated instruments, parental reports, or diagnoses of language disorders.

Key Points:

  • Fifteen studies were analyzed, with thirteen in background-exposed and two in highly exposed populations.
  • Some studies suggested potential adverse effects, but findings were inconsistent across sex, age, and exposure levels.
  • No systematic association was found between early-life PFAS exposure and language/communication development.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence is inconclusive regarding the impact of early-life PFAS exposure on children's language development.
  • Limitations in general assessment tools may obscure specific effects on language and communication.
  • Future research should utilize a broader exposure range and specific language assessment instruments.

Keywords:
child language developmentdevelopmental language disorderenvironmental contaminantsperfluoroalkyl substancespostnatal exposureprenatal exposure

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