Leading researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California have received a $10 million federal grant to expand their research into the health effects of PFAS, synthetic chemicals commonly known as forever chemicals.
This funding is provided through the prestigious Innovative and Visionary Environmental Health Research (RIVER) initiative of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The project will be led by Vaia Lida Ciatzi, a physician-scientist and professor of population, public health sciences and pediatrics.
Her team will study how exposure to PFAS contributes to chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic-related fatty liver disease, as well as develop strategies to reduce exposure in affected communities.
Researchers hope this study will provide stronger scientific evidence to guide future public health regulations, improve early detection of PFAS-related diseases, and create practical tools to reduce long-term health risks associated with these chemicals.
“This funding allows us to take a broad-based, action-focused approach. Our goal is not only to understand how PFAS affect humans, but also to use that knowledge to develop tools and strategies to prevent disease and protect communities.”
Why exposure to PFAS remains a major public health concern
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widely used in consumer goods and industrial production because they are resistant to heat, water, and oil.
They are used in a variety of products, from nonstick cookware to food packaging to firefighting foam. Their durability also poses major environmental problems.
PFAS, also known as permanent chemicals, accumulate in soil, drinking water, and the human body over time. Studies show that nearly all Americans now have measurable levels of PFAS in their blood, raising concerns about the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure.
Previous studies have linked PFAS to a growing list of medical conditions, including hormonal disorders, immune system changes, liver damage, and metabolic disorders.
However, scientists do not fully understand how these chemicals cause disease at the cellular level and why some individuals appear more vulnerable than others.
New study tracks PFAS risk in 50,000 people
Chatzi’s research aims to fill these knowledge gaps using a large-scale “precision environmental health” approach.
The research team plans to analyze data from more than 50,000 participants across 18 separate studies to determine how exposure to PFAS affects metabolic health throughout different stages of life.
Scientists examine biological markers such as genes, proteins, and metabolic indicators related to weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. The goal is to identify distinct biological patterns associated with PFAS exposure and disease development.
The researchers also plan to conduct clinical tests on human tissue samples using advanced 3D tissue models that recreate organs such as the liver and pancreas.
These models are expected to provide deeper insight into how PFAS interfere with metabolic processes in the body.
Advanced multi-omics technology for early identification of warning signs
Another major focus of this project includes the use of multi-omics analysis to combine complex biological datasets to identify early molecular changes associated with chemical exposure.
Researchers hope this study will uncover unique biological characteristics associated with PFAS exposure. These findings could ultimately help doctors identify high-risk patients earlier and support more targeted prevention strategies.
Community partnerships can help reduce exposure to PFAS
This effort also includes working directly with affected communities, particularly areas in Southern California where PFAS contamination has been detected in public water systems.
Researchers will collaborate with the Silent Spring Institute to help develop culturally tailored interventions aimed at reducing exposure risk and improving public health outcomes.
In addition to advancing scientific understanding, this project is expected to strengthen the evidence base for future environmental policy decisions and contribute to the national debate on regulating the health effects of PFAS.
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