PFAS Exposure and Health in Children Center (STEEP II)
Official title: Sources, Transport, Exposure & Effects of PFAS (STEEP) Center - RENEWAL
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11564004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A national research center is studying how PFAS chemicals move through the environment and affect children’s health, with a focus on immune and metabolic effects.
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) | $96,714 |
| NIH project number | 3P42ES027706-10S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11564004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and families, especially those in areas with PFAS exposure, may benefit from improved knowledge and protective strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals not exposed to PFAS or not affected by PFAS-related health issues may not directly benefit from the findings.
What this research studies
PFAS are widespread pollutants linked to health problems in children. This center brings together environmental science, chemistry, and public health to understand how PFAS travel from sources to people and how they impact kids’ immune systems and metabolism. Researchers will develop new detection tools, study PFAS in breast milk and body tissues, and work with state agencies to translate findings into safer practices and policies. The work includes collaborations with RI, MA, and other states to address real-world exposure and remediation needs. The goal is to improve strategies to reduce exposure and protect children's health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better detection, prevention, and remediation of PFAS exposure in children, potentially reducing health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous STEEP center work has established collaborative models and shown progress in understanding PFAS biology and exposure pathways, with continued advances expected.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lohmann, Rainer — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Lohmann, Rainer
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.