Common household chemicals used for decades may be linked to a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis, according to new research from Sweden. The chemicals are found in cookware, textiles, and older industrial products.
Scientists at Uppsala University analyzed blood samples from more than 1,800 people. They found that higher exposure to PFAS and PCBs was associated with increased odds of being diagnosed with MS. MS is a serious neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.
The study was published in the journal Environmental International. It examined about 900 people who had recently been diagnosed with MS. Researchers compared them with a control group of a similar size who did not have the disease.
All participants came from a nationwide Swedish research cohort. The project was created to better understand why some people develop MS while others do not.
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down. PFAS have been widely used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and cleaning products.
PFAS have also been detected in drinking water across the United States. This has been confirmed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are toxic industrial chemicals. They were commonly used in electrical equipment before being banned decades ago. Despite the ban, PCBs remain in the environment.
Researchers tested blood samples for 14 different PFAS compounds. They also tested for several substances created when PCBs break down in the body. The results showed that people with the highest concentrations of certain chemicals faced higher odds of MS.
One of those chemicals was PFOS, a common PFAS compound. People with the highest PFOS and PCB levels had roughly twice the odds of being diagnosed with MS. This was compared with those who had the lowest levels.
Lead researcher Kim Kultima said the findings suggest chemical exposure plays an important role. He noted that people are rarely exposed to just one chemical at a time.
The research team also studied combined exposure. They found that higher total exposure to PFAS and PCBs increased MS risk even further.
The study examined the role of genetics as well. Some participants carried a gene variant that normally lowers the risk of MS. Among those individuals, higher PFOS exposure was linked to an unexpected increase in risk.
Kultima said this points to a complex interaction between genetics and the environment. He said environmental factors may override genetic protection in certain cases.
Experts not involved in the study urged caution. They stressed that the findings show correlation, not proof of cause.
Fox News senior medical analyst Marc Siegel said MS is influenced by many factors. These include autoimmune processes and viral infections. He specifically pointed to Epstein-Barr virus as a known risk factor.
Siegel said environmental triggers likely play a role. However, he emphasized that the study does not prove PFAS or PCBs cause MS.
Neurology researcher Richard Ransohoff said PFAS and PCBs are endocrine disruptors. He explained that endocrine pathways affect immune function. Disruption of those pathways could increase MS risk.
The researchers acknowledged several limitations. Chemical exposure was measured only once. That single measurement may not reflect long-term exposure.
Ransohoff added that stronger evidence would require long-term tracking. He said researchers should follow people with a family history of MS over many years.
In the United States, regulators have begun taking action. In April 2024, the EPA finalized new limits on certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water. The goal is to reduce exposure and fund testing and treatment programs.
Multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system attacks the protective coating around nerve fibers. This disrupts communication between the brain and the body. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms include numbness, weakness, vision problems, and difficulty walking.
There is no cure for MS. Treatment can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
The findings do not prove that household chemicals cause MS. However, researchers say the results add to growing evidence. Long-term exposure to persistent environmental chemicals may affect neurological and immune health.