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Early-childhood exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and neurobehavioral development in children

Chia-Jung Tung1, Jia-Hwa Yang2, Ching-Chun Lin1

  • 1Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan.

Environmental Research
|January 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may modestly impact children's behavior. This study found sex differences in the effects of these common environmental pollutants on neurobehavioral outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants.
  • Concerns exist regarding their potential adverse neurobehavioral effects, particularly in children.
  • Limited research addresses the impact of alternative PFAS and mixtures on child behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between exposure to various PFAS and neurobehavioral performance in children.
  • To explore the potential joint effects of PFAS mixtures on cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
  • To identify sex-specific differences in PFAS-related neurobehavioral effects.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 448 children (ages 6-7) in the Taiwan Birth Panel Study II were analyzed for 11 PFAS.
  • Behavioral performance was assessed using the Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test, 2nd Edition (K-CPT 2).
  • Linear regression and quantile g-computation were employed to analyze PFAS-behavior relationships.

Main Results:

  • Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) had the highest geometric mean concentration; PFDoDA had the lowest.
  • Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) exposure was linked to increased omissions in girls.
  • While no strong mixture effect was found overall, sex-specific joint effects of PFBS and PFHxA on K-CPT 2 indicators were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Alternative PFAS exhibit modest adverse effects on child behavioral performance.
  • Sex differences are crucial in understanding PFAS neurobehavioral impacts.
  • Further research into the toxicology and health risks of short-chain PFAS substitutes is warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
Alternative PFASChildren's behavioral performancePer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)Sex difference

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