Study Links PFAS to Higher MS Odds

Women with higher blood levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances -- known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” -- face significantly greater odds of having multiple sclerosis, according to a study published in June 2026 in the journal Environmental Research. Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine analyzed blood samples from 439 U.S. participants, comparing those with MS to healthy controls and to individuals with other autoimmune neurological conditions. The findings, reported by NaturalNews.com, showed that women with higher PFAS levels had up to 63% greater odds of MS. [1]

Persistence and Sources of PFAS

The compound PFHxS showed the strongest link in the study. For each measured increase in PFHxS blood levels, the odds of MS rose 53% overall and 56% among women, researchers said. Participants with the highest PFHxS concentrations were more than 3.5 times as likely to have MS as those with the lowest levels. PFHxS has an elimination half-life of up to 35 years in the human body, meaning early exposures accumulate across decades, according to the report. [1]

Unlike PFOA and PFOS, which U.S. manufacturers largely phased out, PFHxS remains in active commercial use in stain-resistant textiles, food packaging, and firefighting foams, the study noted. PFAS are described as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment and bioaccumulate in people and wildlife, with half-lives of two to five years in the human body for many compounds. [2] Nonstick cookware coated with PTFE is a known source, as it releases PFAS at cooking temperatures and should be replaced with stainless steel or ceramic alternatives, according to the report.

Study Design and Specificity

The research team compared MS patients not only with healthy controls but also with individuals having NMOSD and MOGAD -- two neurological conditions that closely resemble MS in early symptoms. Women with MS had consistently higher PFHxS and PFOA levels than all three comparison groups, including the other neurological disease groups, researchers said. This indicates that elevated PFAS serves as a specific marker for MS rather than a general feature of neurological disease, according to the study. [1]

The findings extend two Swedish studies from 2025 that analyzed blood from more than 1,800 people and found similar results, particularly among women. A separate 2025 study linked PFOS exposure to MS and identified inflammatory and cellular pathways through which these chemicals may damage neurological tissue over time, the report stated.

Reducing PFAS Exposure

Replacing nonstick cookware with stainless steel or ceramic eliminates a major source of PFAS released at cooking temperatures, according to the report. Avoiding grease-resistant food packaging -- such as fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes -- reduces dietary exposure. Switching to whole foods stored in lead-free glass dramatically cuts daily PFAS intake from packaging alone, officials said. [1]

Filtering water is considered one of the highest-impact steps, and most standard filters are insufficient. A certified reverse osmosis system reliably removes PFHxS and related compounds, according to experts. Supporting the liver’s detoxification pathways through organic cruciferous vegetables, adequate dietary fiber, and maintaining healthy gut bacteria may help the body clear persistent chemicals, research suggests. [3] [4]

Implications for Public Health

Multiple sclerosis affects approximately 2.8 million people worldwide, with women accounting for roughly two-thirds of diagnoses, according to global estimates. The study authors noted that elevated PFAS levels likely reflect decades of prior exposure, raising questions about environmental contributions to disease development. [1] Western medicine focuses on slowing progression after onset, with comparatively little clinical attention given to prevention through reducing environmental exposures, officials said. In 2023, manufacturer 3M agreed to pay $10.3 billion to at least 300 communities to clean up PFAS in water supplies, according to reports. [5] The research underscores the need for broader public health strategies that address the role of persistent environmental chemicals in autoimmune diseases like MS.

References

1. NaturalNews.com. "Study links PFAS 'forever chemicals' to higher multiple sclerosis risk in women." June 19, 2026.
2. Mercola.com. "Are These Chemicals Causing Infertility and S." April 12, 2023.
3. Andrew Weil. "Healthy Aging A Lifelong Guide to Your Well Being."
4. Ronald Ross Watson, Fabien De Meester. "Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health."
5. Mercola.com. "$10 Billion PFAS Payout Just the Tip of the Iceberg." August 29, 2023.
6. Susan G Dudek. "Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice."

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