“Forever Chemicals” Linked to 3-Fold Increase in Liver Disease Risk Among Adolescents
A new peer-reviewed study has found that exposure to common “forever chemicals” known as PFAS may significantly increase the risk of liver disease in adolescents — in some cases by nearly three times.
The research, co-led by the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and the University of Hawai‘i, links higher blood levels of two widely used PFAS chemicals to early-onset metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as fatty liver disease. The findings were published in the journal Environmental Research.
MASLD is a chronic condition that often develops silently but can lead to serious long-term health consequences, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
What Is MASLD — and Why Does It Matter?
MASLD affects approximately 10% of children and up to 40% of children with obesity. While some patients experience fatigue, abdominal pain, or discomfort, many have no obvious symptoms until the disease has progressed.
“MASLD can progress silently for years before causing serious health problems,” said Dr. Lida Chatzi, Director of the Southern California Superfund Research and Training Program for PFAS Assessment, Remediation and Prevention (ShARP).
“When liver fat starts accumulating in adolescence, it may set the stage for a lifetime of metabolic and liver health challenges.”
PFAS Exposure and Adolescent Health
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in:
-
Nonstick cookware
-
Water- and stain-resistant fabrics
-
Food packaging
-
Cleaning products
-
Firefighting foams
These chemicals do not break down in the environment or the human body. Instead, they accumulate over time, earning them the name “forever chemicals.”
PFAS exposure has been linked to:
-
Cancer
-
Endocrine disruption
-
Liver toxicity
-
Immune system suppression
-
Developmental harm
More than 99% of people in North America have detectable PFAS in their blood, and contamination has been found in drinking water, soil, wildlife, and food packaging.
What the Study Found
The researchers examined 284 adolescents and young adults in Southern California who were already at higher metabolic risk due to family history of obesity or type 2 diabetes.
PFAS levels were measured through blood tests, and liver fat was assessed using MRI scans.
Key findings included:
-
Higher blood levels of PFOA and PFHpA were linked to increased MASLD risk
-
Adolescents with double the PFOA levels were nearly three times more likely to develop MASLD
-
Genetic vulnerability further increased risk
-
Smoking amplified PFAS-related liver damage in young adults
-
MASLD became more common as adolescents aged
This was the first study to examine PFAS and MASLD in children using gold-standard diagnostic criteria and to explore how genetics and lifestyle may interact with PFAS exposure.
Adolescence: A Critical Window of Vulnerability
The study adds to growing evidence that puberty and early adulthood are especially sensitive periods for environmental exposures.
“Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of PFAS as it is a critical period of development and growth,” said lead author Dr. Shiwen “Sherlock” Li. PFAS exposure has also been associated with several types of cancer and other chronic health conditions.
Previous research has shown PFAS exposure worsens liver inflammation and fibrosis in adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery, further strengthening concerns about long-term liver damage.
Why This Matters for Canadians
PFAS are present in:
-
Drinking water
-
Food packaging
-
Consumer products
-
Industrial pollution
-
Firefighting foams
Despite growing scientific evidence of harm, these chemicals remain widespread in Canada’s environment and food system.
Children are especially vulnerable to toxic exposures during development, and early damage to the liver can set the stage for lifelong health challenges.
Reducing PFAS exposure represents a critical public health opportunity — but it requires stronger regulation, transparency, and accountability.
A Call for Precaution and Protection
The science is increasingly clear: PFAS are not just environmental contaminants — they pose a real and growing threat to children’s long-term health.
Protecting the next generation means preventing harmful exposures before they cause irreversible damage.
Canadians deserve clean water, safe food, transparent science, and regulators who put public health first.
Sources:
Keck School of Medicine of USC, ‘Forever chemicals’ may increase liver disease risk in adolescents by as much as 3-fold
Environmental Research, Associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in adolescents and young adults: modifying roles of age, lifestyle factors, and PNPLA3 genotype
**************************************************************************************************************