PFAS chemicals linked to delayed onset of puberty in young girls

Exposure to PFAS chemicals delays the onset of puberty in girls by an average of five to six months, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati.  The researchers said the study is the first to consider the role hormones play in the delay, which can lead to negative long-term health outcomes for girls, including increased incidence of breast cancer, kidney disease and thyroid disease.&nbsp;
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous endocrine disrupting chemicals. They have been found to cause changes in mammary gland development in rodents. A few human studies report delay in pubertal events with increasing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure, but to our knowledge none have examined reproductive hormone levels at the beginning of puberty.