Investigating the effects of PFAS chemicals on pregnancy outcomes in Black women
A Prospective Study of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Mixtures and Pregnancy Outcomes among Black Women
This study is looking at how certain harmful chemicals in our environment might affect pregnancy outcomes for Black women, and it wants to understand the role of stress and other factors in this process, so if you're a Black woman who is pregnant or planning to be, your participation could help shed light on these important issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11054783 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are harmful chemicals, affects pregnancy outcomes among Black women. It aims to explore the impact of PFAS mixtures, the role of perceived stress, and the biological mechanisms behind these effects. By analyzing data from a cohort of reproductive-aged Black women, the study will assess pregnancy outcomes such as spontaneous abortion, pre-term birth, and birth size. Participants will provide blood samples and complete questionnaires to gather comprehensive data on their health and environmental exposures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black women of reproductive age who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Black women or those who are not of reproductive age may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Black women exposed to PFAS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown associations between PFAS exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but this specific focus on Black women and PFAS mixtures is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schildroth, Samantha — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Schildroth, Samantha
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 below.