Category: Research

Chemicals used in firefighting and pesticides linked to most common and deadly brain tumors

~ PRHE

Causes of gliomas, the most common type of deadly brain tumor, remain a mystery despite improvements in understanding glioma risks. Firefighters have a higher rate of these cancerous tumors, so we explored how exposure to haloalkanes, chemicals present in a number of widely used products including flame retardants, some fire extinguishants, solvents and pesticides, might … Continue reading Chemicals used in firefighting and pesticides linked to most common and deadly brain tumors

Environmental health research is essential to tackle skyrocketing chronic disease

~ PRHE

Have you heard of a P30 Environmental Health Center? There are 26 of them in the U.S. funded by the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences to investigate the health impacts of air and water pollution, chemicals in everyday products, microplastics, and other ways contaminants put into our environment affect people. These centers have been … Continue reading Environmental health research is essential to tackle skyrocketing chronic disease

Exploring how the environment impacts breast cancer risk

~ PRHE

One of the first researchers supported by the EaRTH Center was Kimberly Badal, PhD, a scientist originally focused on infectious disease research, but after discovering the high burden of cancer in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago, she changed course. Part of her research now focuses on creating better models that can predict a … Continue reading Exploring how the environment impacts breast cancer risk

How extreme weather is disrupting cancer care

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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

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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

~ PRHE

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

~ PRHE

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

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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