Men in Their 50s May Feel Older Because of “Forever Chemicals”

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are called “forever chemicals” because they linger in the body for many years. A new study looked at how these substances might make men feel older than their calendar age. The researchers found that the link between PFAS levels in the blood and a faster biological aging clock was strongest in men aged 50 to 65. In younger men, or those over 70, the connection was weaker and often not statistically clear. Women showed some similar patterns, but the effects were smaller and less consistent. The research used data from a large national health survey that began in 1999. Researchers measured eleven different PFAS chemicals in the participants’ blood and also checked their DNA for epigenetic markers—tiny changes that can tell us how quickly someone’s body is aging. They then fed these data into a set of “epigenetic clocks” that estimate biological age from DNA patterns. PFAS are found in many everyday products: nonstick pans, waterproof jackets, and even some food packaging. Because they are so persistent, many people have detectable levels of these chemicals in their blood—about 98% of Americans. Scientists suspect that PFAS can interfere with the endocrine system, which controls hormones like testosterone. Lower testosterone and other hormonal shifts could explain why men in their fifties show signs of accelerated aging when exposed to PFAS.The study also highlighted that not all PFAS are equally studied. While older, well-known chemicals such as PFOS and PFOA have been targeted for elimination worldwide, newer variants like perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) may also be linked to faster aging in men. These findings suggest that the entire PFAS family, not just the legacy types, could have harmful biological effects. Regulatory groups and industry representatives have responded cautiously. Some argue that the study uses old data and a small sample, so it cannot prove cause and effect. Others point out that while reducing exposure—by using water filters or avoiding certain products—is possible, broader action from government and industry is needed to lower community‑wide PFAS levels. In short, the study adds a new piece of evidence that long‑term exposure to PFAS might push men into an older biological state earlier than expected. It reminds us that the chemicals we encounter every day can quietly influence our health over time.