How extreme weather is disrupting cancer care

As oncologists, we’ve witnessed how extreme weather events have disrupted treatment for our patients. Delays caused by storms or flooding or wildfires can disrupt the timing of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, eroding precious weeks from life-saving treatment schedules. These weather occurrences, which are growing more frequent and severe due to climate change, highlight an urgent … Continue reading How extreme weather is disrupting cancer care

Accelerating chemical hazard assessment for a safer tomorrow

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Center to Advance Toxicology and Chemical Hazard Assessment (CATCHA) to develop and advance new science strategies for chemical hazard identification and risk assessment. Led by Joshua Robinson, PhD, and supported by Tracey Woodruff, PhD, and Jennifer Fung, PhD, the new center will bring together investigators from … Continue reading Accelerating chemical hazard assessment for a safer tomorrow

Exposure to PFAS chemicals doubles the odds of a prior cancer diagnosis in women

A new study shows a clear association between exposure to certain PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) and phenol (including BPA) chemicals and a previous cancer diagnosis in women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study was conducted by researchers in NIEHS-funded P30 centers from UC San Francisco (UCSF), University of Southern … Continue reading Exposure to PFAS chemicals doubles the odds of a prior cancer diagnosis in women

Chemicals and Pregnancy Complications: Findings from Nontargeted Analysis

EDC Strategies Partnership, in partnership with the Collaborative for Health and the Environment (CHE), hosted the following webinar on Thursday, September 14th. Dr. Jessica Trowbridge of PRHE and Dr. Tracey Woodruff from PRHE and the EaRTH Center presented. Chemicals and Pregnancy Complications: Findings from Nontargeted Analysis Toxic chemicals are ubiquitous in the environment. Fewer than … Continue reading Chemicals and Pregnancy Complications: Findings from Nontargeted Analysis

PFAS and chemicals used in plastics associated with increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes

Chemicals used in plastic production and PFAS are widespread in Bay Area pregnant women and are associated with an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and hypertension, according to UCSF researchers. In a new study published in the July 19, 2023, Environmental Health Perspectives, UCSF researchers with the Program on Reproductive … Continue reading PFAS and chemicals used in plastics associated with increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes

PRHE paper wins ES&T “Best Paper Award for Environmental Science”

This is a first for PRHE! One of our papers received a 2022 “Best Paper Award for Environmental Science” from the journal Environmental Science & Technology, ES&T. The honor was especially poignant as the editors reflected on the landscape that scientists – and everyone – is working under: "Facing the COVID pandemic, war, political conflict, … Continue reading PRHE paper wins ES&T “Best Paper Award for Environmental Science”

Pregnant? Contribute to a healthier future and join the DREAM study!

What harmful chemicals are in pregnant people and how do they get there? How are chemical exposures during pregnancy linked to future health problems in mothers and babies? How can we reduce toxic chemicals in our homes and environment? These are the questions the DREAM Study seeks to answer, and we need your help!   … Continue reading Pregnant? Contribute to a healthier future and join the DREAM study!

Chemicals behind global kidney failure outbreaks found in US pregnant women

No worries, it's melamine

Melamine – a chemical found in certain types of plastic dishware that the World Health Organization recently classified as “possibly carcinogenic” – made global news for causing outbreaks of kidney failure and deaths in pets in 2004 (Korea) and 2007 (U.S.) and later in children in 2008 (China). This was because manufacturers had added melamine … Continue reading Chemicals behind global kidney failure outbreaks found in US pregnant women