A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health could help answer important questions about how exposure to so-called permanent chemicals affects children’s long-term health. Dr. Abby Fleisch, a pediatric endocrinologist at Maine Health, received a grant from the NIH to study whether exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) early in life increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. PFAS are found in everything from nonstick cookware to food packaging. They don’t break down easily in the environment or in the body, and rising levels in waterways and the ground have led to dozens of dietary restrictions on harvested fish and deer in parts of Maine. A new study highlighted by the American Heart Association found that prenatal exposure to PFAS can increase blood pressure later in childhood, which can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Thanks to a new NIH grant, Fleisch will be able to dig deeper. “We’re looking at the effects of childhood PFAS exposure on obesity, diabetes risk, and cardiovascular health in young adulthood,” she said. The study is particularly relevant in Maine, she says, given that some communities are dealing with PFAS contamination associated with biosolids spread on agricultural land. ” Her study will measure PFAS levels in stored blood samples taken from children over time and will help researchers identify when exposure may be most harmful. “Thus, we will be able to determine when we should be most concerned about PFAS exposure,” she said. “Therefore, we hope that this will help improve clinical instruction for children exposed to PFAS.” The grant will also provide support to mentor future environmental health researchers in Maine, with the goal of helping develop the next generation of scientists who can tackle PFAS and other environmental health threats.
PORTLAND, ME —
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health could help answer important questions about how exposure to so-called permanent chemicals affects children’s long-term health.
Dr. Abby Fleisch, a pediatric endocrinologist at MaineHealth, received a grant from the NIH to study whether exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) early in life increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
PFAS are used in everything from nonstick cookware to food packaging. They do not break down easily in the environment or in the body, and rising levels in waterways and the ground have led to dozens of dietary restrictions on harvested fish and deer in parts of Maine.
A new study highlighted by the American Heart Association found that prenatal exposure to PFAS can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of developing heart disease later in childhood.
Thanks to a new NIH grant, Fleisch will be able to study this in even greater depth.
“We are looking at the effects of childhood PFAS exposure on obesity, diabetes risk, and cardiovascular health in young adulthood,” she said.
The effort is especially meaningful in Maine, she says, given that some communities are dealing with PFAS contamination associated with biosolids spread on agricultural land.
“Children tend to be particularly susceptible to environmental exposures because their bodies are still growing and developing,” Fleisch said.
Her research will measure PFAS levels in stored blood samples taken from children over time, helping researchers determine when exposure is most harmful.
“This can reveal sensitive windows. So when should we be most concerned about exposure to PFAS?” she said. “Therefore, we hope this will help improve clinical guidance for children exposed to PFAS.”
The grant will also provide support to mentor future environmental health researchers in Maine, with the goal of helping develop the next generation of scientists who can address PFAS and other environmental health threats.
