A researcher from the Keck School of Medicine of USC has secured a $10 million federal grant to delve deeper into the health impacts of PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.” This funding comes from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) under its RIVER initiative.
Leading the project is Vaia Lida Chatzi, a physician-scientist who specializes in public health and pediatrics. Her team aims to explore how exposure to PFAS contributes to chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and liver issues. They also plan to develop strategies to reduce exposure in communities most affected by these chemicals.
Chatzi shared her enthusiasm for the grant, saying, “This funding allows us to take an action-focused approach. We want to uncover how PFAS impact health and use that knowledge to protect communities.”
Concern Over PFAS Exposure
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in many everyday products, from non-stick pans to food packaging. Their durability makes them useful, but it also leads to significant environmental issues. These chemicals accumulate in soil, water, and even our bodies. Research shows that nearly everyone in the U.S. has detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. This raises serious questions about long-term health risks.
Studies link PFAS exposure to several health issues, including hormonal disruptions and immune system changes. Yet, scientists still don’t fully understand how these chemicals lead to disease at a cellular level.
Research on 50,000 People
Chatzi’s study aims to fill in these knowledge gaps by analyzing data from over 50,000 individuals across multiple studies. The focus will be on how PFAS affects metabolic health at different life stages. The team will look at biological markers like genes and proteins that relate to weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. This research could reveal how PFAS contributes to health issues.
The team will also perform laboratory tests on human tissue samples using advanced 3D models that mimic organs like the liver and pancreas. This cutting-edge technology aims to provide a clearer understanding of how PFAS disrupt metabolic processes.
Identifying Early Warning Signs
A key component of the research is “multi-omics” analysis. This method combines various biological datasets to find early changes that may signal health risks from chemical exposure. The goal is to discover unique biological markers associated with PFAS, which could help healthcare providers identify at-risk patients sooner.
Working with Communities
The project also emphasizes collaboration with affected communities, particularly in Southern California, where PFAS contamination has been found in water supplies. Teaming up with the Silent Spring Institute, the researchers plan to create tailored solutions to reduce exposure and improve health outcomes.
This initiative is not just about advancing science; it also aims to inform future environmental policies and discussions about regulating the health impacts of PFAS. With growing public awareness and concern over chemicals like PFAS, this research could contribute significantly to better public health practices and protective regulations.
For more detailed information about PFAS and its effects, check out the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
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