The placenta as a novel target organ for PFAS toxicity - epidemiologic studies of Ronneby pregnancies

A well-functioning placenta is necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

The supply of nutrients and hormones to the fetus is reduced when placental function is disturbed which can have serious life-long health implications.

The placenta was recently proposed as a primary target organ for PFAS toxicity that might drive the negative health outcomes associated with PFAS exposure. PFAS accumulates in human placental tissue and animal studies have demonstrated placental lesions after exposure.

Yet, research regarding the implications for fetal development is lacking.The objective is to study how PFAS exposure affects the development and function of the placenta.

We will also investigate if placental insults constitute a mechanism that increases the risk of fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, premature birth, and specific congenital anomalies.In 2013, extremely high levels of PFAS were discovered in one of two municipal waterworks in Ronneby.

The contaminated waterworks supplied 1/3 of the population with drinking water for decades whereas 2/3 received uncontaminated water, thus resulting in a unique natural experiment with very wide exposure contrast.

The project leverages the situation to investigate effects on placental function by combining register data with biological samples from the world’s first high-exposed birth cohort.The results will form scientific basis for public health interventions and risk assessments to protect the next generation from health insults.