Men in their 50s may show faster aging linked to PFAS

A small U.S. study found associations between blood levels of PFAS and accelerated epigenetic aging mainly in men aged about 50–65; the researchers and outside experts said the results show correlation but do not prove cause and effect.

A new analysis reports links between PFAS exposure and faster epigenetic aging in middle-aged men. The study examined blood PFAS levels and DNA methylation measures taken from older adults enrolled in 1999–2000. Researchers say the associations were strongest in men roughly 50–65 years old and were weaker or inconsistent in younger and older participants and in women. Authors and outside experts emphasized the results show associations, not proof of causation. Key findings: - The study used public data from 326 adults in the 1999–2000 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and measured 11 PFAS types and DNA methylation. - Associations between PFAS and accelerated epigenetic aging were reported as strongest in men aged about 50–65. - Higher concentrations of PFNA and PFOSA were highlighted as predictors of faster epigenetic aging in men in the specified age range, but not in women. - The lead author and outside experts cautioned that the study is exploratory, based on a small and older dataset, and does not establish causation; an industry group described it as exploratory and noted the data are more than two decades old. Summary: The study adds evidence of a sex-specific association between some PFAS and measures of biological aging in middle-aged men, while acknowledging clear limitations in sample size and timing. Undetermined at this time.