Critical effects of early PFAS exposure on immune and metabolic health
Official title: Critical effects associated with developmental PFAS exposure profiles
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11389405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how exposure to PFAS chemicals before birth and in early childhood may influence immune function and body metabolism in children as they grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $14,432 |
| NIH project number | 5P42ES027706-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents with potential PFAS exposure or from populations with known exposure, and their families, would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without PFAS exposure or with unrelated health concerns may not directly benefit from the study findings.
What this research studies
Researchers will study two birth cohorts from the Faroe Islands to see if developmental PFAS exposure relates to immune problems (like weaker responses to vaccines and more infections) and metabolic issues (such as excess fat, lipid problems, and early signs of prediabetes) up to ages 5 and 14. The study will use existing exposure data from maternal and child samples, plus clinical data like DXA scans, to identify if there are specific windows of susceptibility. By examining serum biomarkers such as cholesterol subfractions and adipocytokines, the project aims to identify clues that link exposure to health outcomes and potential early markers for intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help guide strategies to reduce PFAS-related risks and improve early prevention of immune and metabolic problems in children.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown associations between PFAS exposure and immune/metabolic changes, but this project adds prospective data across key developmental windows.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grandjean, Philippe Adam — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Grandjean, Philippe Adam
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.