PFAS Research Shared at Federal Workshop Hosted by NIEHS

October 02, 2020

Scientists from NIEHS and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented their latest research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in the second in a series of virtual Federal Information Exchanges Aug. 28.

Virtual Workshop Explores Newest PFAS Research

September 02, 2020

Three NIEHS grantees presented their latest research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, at a July 31 Federal Information Exchange. The online session — attended by more than 260 researchers with federal funding, federal employees, and state health representatives — was the first in a series of virtual workshops.

PFAS Should Be Managed As a Single Class of Chemicals, Experts Say

August 04, 2020

Treating the thousands of potentially toxic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a single class could reduce health risks and contamination, and improve clean-up efforts, according to a June 30 commentary by an international group of experts.

Mauge-Lewis Researches Replacement PFAS in Firefighting Foams

May 05, 2020

Chemical mixtures used in firefighting were the focus of a March 30 webinar sponsored by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (UNC) graduate toxicology and environmental medicine program.

High Levels of PFAS in Cape Fear River Striped Bass

May 05, 2020

NIEHS grantees found elevated levels of 11 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the blood of Cape Fear River striped bass. The higher levels were associated with markers of altered immune and liver functions in the fish.

NTP-led Team Finds Adverse Effects of PFOA and GenX in Mice

April 01, 2020

In an NIEHS-funded study focusing on the placenta, scientists from the Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Duke University collaborated to compare the impact of gestational exposure to environmental contaminants perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, known as GenX, on experimental mice.

GenX Affects Function of Proteins That Protect the Brain

April 01, 2020

NIEHS researchers have found that in rats, exposure to low levels of the chemical GenX may affect the function of certain protective proteins at the blood-brain barrier. This discovery is important because it suggests that GenX — part of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemical family — can alter how the body safeguards sensitive organs against exposures.

Replacement Chemicals May Put Pregnancies at Risk

February 03, 2020

Exposure to so-called forever chemicals may increase a woman’s risk of pregnancy complications. New research links exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are industrial chemicals found throughout the environment, with an increased risk of a pregnancy complication called preeclampsia.

PFOA Evaluated For Cancer Links by NTP Expert Panel

January 02, 2020

Experts endorsed findings from studies by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) on two chemicals found in everyday items and their links to cancer in rodents. One study focused on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a substance found in products such as nonstick cookware and stain- and water-resistant fabrics. The other was about oxybenzone, an ultraviolet filter found in sunscreen lotion.

People Who Eat More Meals at Home Have Lower Levels of Harmful PFAS Chemicals in Their Bodies

October 17, 2019

Preparing meals at home can reduce your exposure to harmful PFAS chemicals that are commonly found in take-out and fast food packaging, according to a new study by NIEHS-funded researchers at Silent Spring Institute.

Meeker Discusses PFAS in Food on NPR

August 27, 2019

John Meeker, Sc.D., talks about food as a source of exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on Issues of the Environment, a weekly radio segment on Eastern Michigan’s National Public Radio (NPR) station. Meeker is deputy director of the Core Center at the University of Michigan (UM) and a project leader at the UM Children's Environmental Health Center.

New Research Sheds Light on Metabolic Changes Associated with PFAS Exposure

August 27, 2019

A new study done by NIEHS-funded researchers at Brown University, led by Joseph Braun, finds exposure to PFAS is assoicated with alterations in metabolic pathways related to metabolism in a cohort of children in the Cinncinnati area.