New Study Links ‘Forever Chemicals’ to a Lifelong Autoimmune Disease — What You Need to Know
Evidence-based guide • Environmental health & autoimmune disease
News about “forever chemicals” has been unsettling for years, and a new study linking them to a lifelong autoimmune disease understandably adds another layer of worry. If you’ve ever cooked on a nonstick pan, worn a water-repellent jacket, or used stain-resistant carpet, you’ve likely come into contact with these chemicals — often without realizing it.
This article unpacks the latest research connecting PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) with chronic autoimmune disease, explains what this means for your health, and offers realistic, science-backed steps you can take to lower exposure. There’s currently no cure for the autoimmune condition highlighted in the study, but there are meaningful ways to reduce risk and support your body as best you can.
What Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ and Why Are They a Problem?
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are a large family of man-made substances designed to repel oil, water, and stains. They have been widely used since the 1950s in thousands of consumer and industrial products, including:
- Nonstick cookware (such as many Teflon-style pans)
- Water-resistant and stain-resistant clothing (e.g., some outdoor jackets, uniforms)
- Grease-resistant food packaging (pizza boxes, fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags)
- Stain-proof carpets, upholstery, and some household textiles
- Some cosmetics (waterproof mascara, long-lasting lipstick, some foundations)
- Firefighting foams, especially used near airports and military bases
PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment and in the human body. They don’t easily break down, and some can stay in our blood for years. Over time, they can build up — a process known as bioaccumulation.
“We now understand that PFAS exposure is nearly universal. The concern is not one single exposure, but the lifelong ‘drip’ of these chemicals into our drinking water, food, and homes.”
— Environmental health researcher, quoted in recent PFAS reviews
Over the last decade, large population studies have linked PFAS exposure to:
- Altered cholesterol levels
- Reduced vaccine response in children
- Increased risk of some cancers (such as kidney and testicular cancers)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Pregnancy complications (e.g., preeclampsia, low birth weight)
The new study adds to this picture by suggesting that PFAS may also trigger or worsen a chronic autoimmune disease — a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
The New Study: PFAS Linked to a Chronic Autoimmune Disease
According to the latest report covered by the New York Post, researchers have identified a strong association between PFAS exposure and a chronic autoimmune disease that currently has no cure. While the article focuses on the news angle, the underlying research is part of a growing body of science examining how environmental chemicals interact with our immune systems.
Although specific details (such as the exact autoimmune disease and full dataset) will be published in the original journal article, the core message is consistent with previous research: higher levels of certain PFAS in the blood correlate with higher risk of autoimmune disorders.
Studies in recent years have reported links between PFAS and conditions such as:
- Lupus-like disease patterns
- Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Rheumatoid arthritis patterns in some exposed groups
Researchers caution that association does not prove direct causation. However, when statistical links appear repeatedly — in different populations and study designs — and are supported by laboratory evidence showing how PFAS can influence immune cells, the overall picture becomes more compelling.
How PFAS May Affect Your Immune System
The immune system is finely tuned. It must be strong enough to fight infections and cancer cells, yet restrained enough not to attack your own tissues. PFAS appear to disturb this balance in several ways:
- Changing immune cell signaling
PFAS can interact with receptors on immune cells, altering how they communicate and how strongly they respond to perceived threats. - Weakening vaccine responses
Large cohort studies have found that children with higher PFAS blood levels often show lower antibody responses after routine vaccinations — a sign of impaired immune function. - Promoting chronic low-grade inflammation
Laboratory studies suggest PFAS may push the body toward a persistent, mild inflammatory state. Over time, this can contribute to tissue damage and autoimmune risk. - Disrupting hormone systems
Because PFAS can also act as endocrine disruptors, they may indirectly affect immune regulation through hormones like thyroid and sex hormones, which influence immune behavior.
“Immune disruption is one of the most consistent health effects we see with PFAS exposure, from reduced vaccine responses to higher rates of some autoimmune diseases.”
— Summary from multiple PFAS reviews in leading environmental health journals
None of this means that everyone exposed to PFAS will develop an autoimmune disease. Many factors — genetics, infections, stress, diet, and other pollutants — work together. But PFAS appear to be one modifiable element in this complex puzzle.
Where PFAS Show Up in Everyday Life
One of the most frustrating aspects of PFAS is how ordinary the sources are. People are often surprised to learn that exposure can come from:
- Drinking water, especially near industrial sites, airports, and military bases
- Food packaging that resists oil and grease
- Nonstick cookware that uses older PFAS-based coatings
- Water-repellent clothing and outdoor gear with PFAS-based treatments
- Stain-resistant carpets, rugs, and upholstery
- Some cosmetics and personal care products
Regulatory agencies in the US, EU, and other regions are tightening limits on PFAS in drinking water and phasing out some of the older, most persistent compounds. However, replacements and “short-chain” PFAS are still widely used, and their long-term health effects are not fully understood.
How to Reduce Your PFAS Exposure: Practical, Realistic Steps
Completely eliminating PFAS exposure in today’s world isn’t realistic. But you can significantly reduce your personal “PFAS load” over time by focusing on a few high-impact areas.
1. Prioritize Safer Drinking Water
For many people, drinking water is a major PFAS source. Helpful steps include:
- Check your local water reports for PFAS testing results.
- Consider a certified water filter. Look for filters certified to remove PFAS (often using activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or a combination). Review NSF/ANSI standards on the certification label.
- If using tap water for cooking, remember that boiling does not remove PFAS.
2. Revisit Your Cookware
If you own older nonstick pans and aren’t sure about their coating:
- Phase in alternatives like stainless steel, cast iron, or high-quality ceramic.
- If you keep any nonstick pans, avoid overheating them and discard if scratched or peeling.
3. Be Choosy About Textiles and Carpets
When buying new home items, aim for PFAS-free options:
- Look for labels that explicitly state “PFAS-free,” “PFC-free,” or “no fluorinated chemicals.”
- Skip optional stain-resistant treatments on sofas, carpets, or kids’ furniture.
- Choose natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen) when possible.
4. Rethink Food Packaging
Although not all grease-resistant packaging contains PFAS, many do or have historically:
- Cut down on fast food and takeout that comes in greasy cardboard or wrappers.
- Transfer hot food out of packaging and into glass or ceramic as soon as possible.
- Pop popcorn in a plain paper bag or on the stovetop instead of using some microwave bags.
5. Check Personal Care Products
Some cosmetics use PFAS for durability or smooth application. To lower risk:
- Scan ingredient lists for words like “PTFE,” “perfluoro,” or “polyfluoro.”
- Favor brands that clearly commit to being PFAS-free.
Common Obstacles — and How to Navigate Them
Taking action on PFAS can feel overwhelming. Many people face real barriers: budget limits, lack of local options, or living in rental housing where they can’t easily change infrastructure. Here are some practical ways through.
“Safer products cost more. I can’t afford a complete switch.”
This is a valid concern. Instead of aiming for perfection:
- Start with the highest-impact item you can change — often drinking water.
- Replace items only as they wear out, choosing PFAS-free alternatives when you’re already spending.
- Consider simple, low-cost options, such as stovetop popcorn, cooking more at home, and avoiding optional stain treatments.
“I rent and can’t change the plumbing or carpets.”
You still have options:
- Use a countertop or pitcher water filter certified for PFAS removal.
- Add washable rugs over existing carpets and avoid new stain-proof treatments.
- Focus on the products you personally purchase, like cookware, cosmetics, and food choices.
“It feels pointless if PFAS are everywhere.”
It’s true that you can’t control everything — and that can feel discouraging. But studies in areas where PFAS emissions were reduced show that blood levels in residents decline over time once major sources are addressed. Your individual actions, combined with community and policy changes, do make a difference.
“We saw significant drops in PFAS blood levels within a few years of reducing contaminated drinking water. That’s encouraging: when we turn off the tap of exposure, the body begins to recover.”
— Findings from community intervention studies in PFAS-affected towns
Living With a Chronic Autoimmune Disease in a PFAS World
If you already have a chronic autoimmune disease, learning about environmental triggers can bring up complex emotions — anger, grief, or even guilt. None of this is your fault. Most exposures happened long before any of us knew the risks.
While there is no cure yet for many autoimmune conditions, PFAS research can still offer hope in three ways:
- Validation
It reinforces that your illness is not “all in your head” and that environmental factors are real contributors. - Better disease management
Working with your healthcare team to limit additional immune stressors — including PFAS when feasible — may support overall disease control, even if it’s not a stand-alone solution. - Advocacy and prevention
Your voice can help push for cleaner water, stricter chemical regulations, and better protections for future generations.
What the Science Still Doesn’t Know (Yet)
It’s important not to overstate what we know. Current research has meaningful limits:
- Exact causal pathways — We know PFAS and autoimmune disease are associated, but we’re still mapping the precise biological steps from exposure to illness.
- Individual susceptibility — Genetics, age at exposure, other chemicals, infections, and lifestyle all modify risk in ways we don’t fully understand yet.
- New PFAS compounds — Many replacement PFAS have limited long-term safety data. We’re learning about them in real time.
Because of these uncertainties, major health bodies tend to use cautious language: PFAS are described as “possibly” or “likely” contributors in certain diseases, rather than definitive causes. This doesn’t mean the risk is trivial — it just reflects the scientific standard of proof.
“With PFAS, we are building the airplane while flying it. The evidence is strong enough to act to reduce exposure, even as we continue to refine the science.”
— Environmental epidemiologist, speaking on PFAS policy decisions
Beyond PFAS: Supporting Your Immune Health Holistically
Reducing PFAS exposure is important, but it’s only one part of protecting immune health. You can’t control every chemical in the world, but you can support your body’s resilience through:
- Good sleep (aiming for 7–9 hours for most adults)
- Balanced, fiber-rich nutrition with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats
- Regular, moderate physical activity adapted to your abilities and any medical conditions
- Stress management (breathing exercises, counseling, mindfulness, social support)
- Staying up to date on vaccinations, especially if your immune system is altered
None of these steps will “detox” PFAS overnight — our bodies eliminate these chemicals slowly. However, they can positively influence inflammation, hormone balance, and immune regulation in ways that matter, especially if you’re already managing a chronic condition.
Taking the Next Step: From Worry to Informed Action
The latest study linking “forever chemicals” to a chronic autoimmune disease adds urgency — but it doesn’t have to leave you feeling powerless. Awareness is a first step, not the last one.
Consider choosing one small action you can take this week:
- Look up your local water quality report and see whether PFAS are tested.
- Audit your cookware and commit to replacing one piece with a PFAS-free alternative when it wears out.
- Check the labels of two cosmetic products and note any “perfluoro” ingredients.
- Share a trustworthy resource on PFAS with a friend, family member, or community group.
Over time, these seemingly small choices add up — in your home, your community, and the broader push for safer chemicals. The science around PFAS and autoimmune disease is still evolving, but you don’t have to wait for perfect certainty to start protecting yourself and the people you care about.
