Understanding how PFAS exposure before birth affects childhood infections and allergies
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
This research looks at how exposure to certain chemicals before birth might be connected to common infections and allergies in children.
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 ID | NIH-11129721 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
PFAS chemicals are found in almost everyone and are thought to affect the immune system. This project will use information from existing groups of children to see if exposure to PFAS before birth is linked to more common childhood infections like ear infections or conditions like eczema and allergies. Researchers will carefully look at individual PFAS chemicals and mixtures to understand these potential connections. The goal is to better understand how these common chemicals might influence children's health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project uses existing data from pediatric birth cohorts, so it does not involve new patient recruitment.
Not a fit: Patients not part of the existing Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohort would not directly participate in this specific data analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how to protect children from environmental chemicals that might weaken their immune systems or increase their risk of allergies.
How similar studies have performed: While PFAS are a presumed immune hazard, this specific U.S.-based cohort approach to childhood infections and allergies is noted as novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- 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 below.