PFAS exposure pathways and their link to high cholesterol in rural farmers
Official title: Examining pathways of PFAS exposure and their impacts on hyperlipidemia in a rural community impacted by land spreading
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11425389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how certain durable chemicals in the environment affect cholesterol and health in rural communities that farm with waste-derived materials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,343,688 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES038862-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living in rural farming communities where land-applied sludge or biosolids are used.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not exposed to agricultural land spreading practices may not experience direct benefits from this study.
What this research studies
The project investigates PFAS chemicals that linger in soil and water after sludge and biosolids are applied to farms, and how these exposures may contribute to high cholesterol and related diseases. Researchers will measure PFAS levels in blood and environmental samples and examine how different exposure routes influence lipid metabolism. The study focuses on rural adults, using community surveys and biospecimen collection to understand real-world exposure and health impacts. Results could reveal which PFAS compounds pose the greatest risk and guide safer agricultural practices and community health recommendations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better understanding of PFAS-related cholesterol risks and inform policies to reduce exposure in rural farming communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked PFAS exposure to lipid-related health effects, but this project explores under-recognized exposure pathways in rural settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schultz, Amy a — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Schultz, Amy a
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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.