Exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalate metabolites and their association with low estimated glomerular filtration rates in the US population
By Humairat H. Rahman, Weston R. Stokey, and Stuart H. Munson-McGee
Food Chem Toxicol.
November 21, 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2025.115853
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates are synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and polymers. Human exposure occurs through multiple pathways and has been linked to renal, neurologic, and endocrine toxicities. This study examined associations between PFAS and phthalate metabolites and reduced kidney function, as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018 data. Participants who were non-Hispanic Black, over 40 years, or with serious heart disease showed higher likelihood of low eGFR. Among PFAS, exposure to MPAH was significantly associated with low eGFR (odds ratio [OR] 2.85; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-6.21). Multiple phthalate metabolites were also positively associated with low eGFR, including MCOP, MCNP, MECPP, MBP, MEP, MEHHP, MHNCH, MEHP, MiBP, MEOHP, and MBzP, with ORs ranging from 1.42 to 2.50 across models. These findings suggest both PFAS and phthalate exposures are linked to kidney dysfunction in U.S. adults, with particularly strong associations for several phthalate metabolites. The results highlight the potential nephrotoxic risks of widespread chemical exposures and underscore the need for further studies on cumulative effects and vulnerable subpopulations.
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