Investigating the effects of prenatal exposure to PFAS on childhood infections and allergies
Official title: Prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and associations with common childhood infections and allergies: A study of risks and resiliencies in the ECHO Program
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10977496 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals during pregnancy might affect kids' chances of getting infections and allergies, and it's for parents who want to know more about how these substances could impact their children's health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $46,704 |
| NIH project number | 1R36OD037668-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977496 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years whose mothers were exposed to PFAS during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those without prenatal PFAS exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy may influence the development of infections and allergies in children. By analyzing data from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, the study will look at the relationship between prenatal PFAS levels and various health outcomes in children under 12 years old. The researchers will use advanced statistical methods to assess these associations, focusing on common childhood illnesses like bronchiolitis and allergies such as atopic dermatitis. This work aims to fill a gap in understanding the health impacts of PFAS exposure on immune function in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for childhood infections and allergies linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure, but this specific investigation into childhood infections and allergies is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gleason, Jessie — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Gleason, Jessie
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.