The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS contaminated “almost all” of the popular baby formula brandstested recently by Consumer Reports, it says in a newreport.
These results are troubling. The studyanalyzed41 popular baby formula brands, including well-known names like Enfamil and Similac, startups like Bobbie, and a range of store and imported brands, for the presence of chemicals like arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide and PFAS.
Because the study tested just one sample per brand, more research is needed to be certain which ones contain forever chemicals.
Even more concerning is that many of the PFAS compounds detected have not been thoroughly studied, leaving uncertainty about their potential health risks, especially for infant safety.
PFAS are everywhere, from cookware and food packaging to waterproof clothing and cosmetics. They contaminate water, food such as baby formula, soil, air and household dust, contributing to widespread exposure.
Consumer Reports’ scientists detected PFAS in most of the formula samples, with one particularly concerning compound standing out: PFOS, detected in several samples. It is one of the most notorious PFAS, formerly an ingredient in 3M's Scotchgard. It was phased out in the U.S. under pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency after revelations of PFOShealth hazards.
The EPA now regulates PFOS in drinking water with a maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion, due to its classification asa carcinogen.
Because of itsknown toxicity and potential long-term health impacts, the presence ofPFOS in any baby formula is especially alarming. PFAS don’t break down in the environment, and they build up in the human body over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhas detected PFAS in the blood of 99 percent of Americans,including newborn babies.
EWG’sPFAS map shows PFOS contamination in nearly half of the nation’s drinking water. Without any information to the contrary, it’s possible to surmise that some of the PFOS Consumer Reports detected comes from contaminated water used for the formula.
This possible source of PFOS in formula raises urgent questions about manufacturing processes and the need for stronger industry oversight and stricter safety standards to protect infants from exposure to hazardous chemicals.
PFAS exposure risks for babies and children
Babies and young children, whose bodies are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure, which can have lifelong consequences. Their small size, growing organs and developing immune systems make them especially susceptible to the harmful effects of these bioaccumulative chemicals, which remain in the body for years.
Even small amounts of PFAS in formula can add to cumulative exposure, putting infants’ growth and health at risk.
Research has foundPFAS in umbilical cord blood andbreast milk, revealing direct prenatal and early-life exposure. Babies born with PFAS in their cord blood are more likely to have elevatedcholesterol andtriglyceride levels – biomarkers linked to future heart disease. PFAS exposure also disruptsbile acids, which are essential for digestion and metabolism, so the risk of chronic health issues may go up as these children grow.
Even very low doses of PFAS can also weaken babies’immune systems, making them more prone to infection and reducing vaccine effectiveness. PFAS exposure has also been linked tothyroid dysfunction, which can impair growth and brain development. In the gut, PFAS may alter the balance ofmicrobial cells, disrupting digestion and weakening immune defenses.
As children age, the damage from early PFAS exposure continues to unfold. Research links PFAS tocognitive challenges,lung issues andmetabolic disorders, includingaltered glucose regulation in adulthood.
The need for stronger regulation
PFAS pollution has caused a widespread public health crisis. Over143 million Americans are exposed because of their drinking water. These forever chemicals have contaminated the water supply at8,865 sites in all50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories.
Yet despite mounting evidence of harm, our government mostly fails to regulate PFAS contamination of food, including baby formula.
Following Consumer Reports’ alarming findings, the Food and Drug Administrationannounced plans to strengthen oversight of the baby formula industry. The agency pledged to increase testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in formula, a welcome step.
But it remains unclear whether tests for PFAS will be included or whether the FDA will establish safe limits for these toxic chemicals in infant nutrition. Without stronger regulations, children will continue to be at risk of harm from this insidious threat.
We urgently need stricter regulations and greater accountability from industries that have allowed PFAS to infiltrate everyday life.
Consumer Reports’ findings are a wake-up call for regulators and manufacturers to prioritize infant safety by eliminating PFAS from formula and strengthening oversight.
What parents need to know
No parent should have to worry whether their baby’s formula contains toxic chemicals. Parents can take practical steps to help reduce their baby’s exposure, including
Usingfiltered water **when preparing powdered formula.**Since PFAS can contaminate tap water, a water filter can help reduce exposure. The most effective option is areverse osmosis system installed under the sink or at the tap, but these systems can be costly. Fortunately, manycountertop pitcher filters have also proven effective in lowering PFAS levels, according to EWG tests.
Pushing for stronger regulations. Parents can make their voices heard by supporting consumer safety initiatives that demand the FDA set stricter standards for PFAS and other contaminants in baby formula. Greater oversight and enforcement are essential to protecting infant health.
No family should face the burden of toxic exposure from essential nutrition. By taking steps to reduce risk and advocating for stricter safety measures, parents can help protect their children’s health and push for long-overdue industry accountability.