Investigating the effects of PFAS exposure on cholesterol levels in volunteer firefighters
Official title: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurrence and associations with dyslipidemia among community-based U.S. volunteer firefighters
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11042697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in firefighting gear and foams might affect cholesterol levels in volunteer firefighters, helping us understand their health risks better and find ways to keep them safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $46,896 |
| NIH project number | 5F31ES036099-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are volunteer firefighters who may have been exposed to PFAS through their work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in firefighting or who have not been exposed to PFAS are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affects blood lipid levels, particularly cholesterol, among volunteer firefighters. The study will assess the sources of PFAS exposure, such as firefighting foams and protective gear, and analyze blood samples to determine lipid imbalances. By examining the health impacts of PFAS, the research aims to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the cardiovascular risks faced by this population. The findings could lead to better protective measures and health guidelines for firefighters.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for volunteer firefighters by identifying risks associated with PFAS exposure and informing preventive strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated health risks associated with PFAS exposure, but this specific focus on volunteer firefighters is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lubina, Katherine Alexis — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lubina, Katherine Alexis
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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.