PFAS in drinking water and blood pressure in adults and kids
Official title: Assessing effects of PFAS exposure from drinking water on hypertension and blood pressure among adults and children using measured and historically reconstructed PFAS blood levels
Funded at Silent Spring Institute · NIH-11453182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how chemical PFAS in drinking water may be linked to high blood pressure in both adults and children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Silent Spring Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newton, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2026 |
| Project end | August 27, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $154,700 |
| NIH project number | 1R03ES038312-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11453182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults and children aged 4 and older who have experienced PFAS exposure in communities with drinking water contamination and have blood pressure data.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without PFAS exposure or without available blood pressure data may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze measured and historical PFAS blood levels to see how exposure relates to blood pressure and hypertension in a diverse group of people, from children as young as 4 to adults over 21. The study builds on existing data from thousands of participants across eight states to examine PFAS mixtures and exposure over time. By using already collected data, the project aims to clarify potential connections between PFAS exposure and cardiovascular risk from childhood into adulthood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform safer drinking water standards and public health guidance to reduce PFAS-related blood pressure risks.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests PFAS may be linked to hypertension, but this study will address gaps with measured and historical exposure data.
Where this research is happening
-
Silent Spring Institute
Newton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaider, Laurel — Silent Spring Institute
- Study coordinator: Schaider, Laurel
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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.