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

September 18, 2023September 17, 2023 ~ 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

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

July 19, 2023July 18, 2023 ~ PRHE ~ 1 Comment

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

Makers of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ covered up the dangers

June 1, 2023May 31, 2023 ~ PRHE ~ 1 Comment

Widely used in clothing, household products and food, they resist breaking down in the environment The chemical industry took a page out of the tobacco playbook when they discovered and suppressed their knowledge of health harms caused by exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), according to an analysis of previously secret industry documents by … Continue reading Makers of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ covered up the dangers

PFAS linked to lower birthweight

March 15, 2023March 15, 2023 ~ PRHE

The largest study to date to examine the role of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in birth outcomes reveals widespread exposure to five PFAS in pregnant women and lower birthweight among those with higher PFAS levels. Published today in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, the study involved more than 3,000 pregnant participants from 11 different … Continue reading PFAS linked to lower birthweight

Highly processed foods: recipe for disease?

November 8, 2022November 7, 2022 ~ Nick Chartres

PRHE’s Dr. Nicholas Chartres wrote the following response to media coverage on ultra-processed foods. What if I said that if you are eating a diet of high or ultra-processed food from packets, filled with chemicals, you have a significantly higher risk of dying younger from heart disease or cancer? Pretty scary, huh? Well, in the … Continue reading Highly processed foods: recipe for disease?

EPA can require chemical companies to provide data on PFAS risks. Why isn’t it?

April 29, 2022April 29, 2022 ~ PRHE

In the recent ProPublica article, “She’s Supposed to Protect Americans from Toxic Chemicals. First, She Has to Fix Trump’s Mess and Decades of Neglect,” Dr. Michal Freedhoff, PhD, EPA’s head of the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) said: “You can’t ask companies to spend a bunch of money producing data that already … Continue reading EPA can require chemical companies to provide data on PFAS risks. Why isn’t it?

PRHE Postdocs: Where are they now?

March 15, 2022March 14, 2022 ~ PRHE

For over a decade, PRHE has mentored dozens of environmental health scientists, most of whom have gone on to play significant roles in the field. We spoke to four of them about their PRHE postdoc experience, what they’re doing now, and what changes they think are needed in environmental health. During the course of these … Continue reading PRHE Postdocs: Where are they now?

EPA uses systematic reviews to guide new PFAS drinking water standards

February 3, 2022March 10, 2023 ~ PRHE

They may be called forever chemicals because they can stay in your body for years, but we don’t have forever to enact health protective decisions on PFAS (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances). This is especially true given the large body of scientific evidence on prenatal exposures to PFAS and effects on fetal growth that the … Continue reading EPA uses systematic reviews to guide new PFAS drinking water standards

Prenatal exposure to PFAS and PBDE chemicals linked to greater risk of preterm birth

January 21, 2022January 20, 2022 ~ PRHE

Prematurity is the second leading cause of death among infants in the United States and exposure to PFAS and PBDEs (chemicals in non-stick pans, water-repellent fabric, and furniture foam) during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. But while there is extensive research on some of these chemicals, the effects of other, … Continue reading Prenatal exposure to PFAS and PBDE chemicals linked to greater risk of preterm birth