Where PFAS come from, how they move, and how they affect health
Sources, Transport, Exposure & Effects of PFAS (STEEP) Center - RENEWAL
This project looks at how PFAS chemicals spread in air, water, and food and how they may affect children, breastfeeding families, and communities near contaminated sites.
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 ID | NIH-11384024 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The center uses new detection tools to measure PFAS in air, groundwater, blood, and breast milk and combines those measurements with models of how PFAS move through the environment. Researchers study links between PFAS exposure and immune or metabolic changes in children using samples and health information. They work with state agencies and local communities around contaminated sites to track exposure, test cleanup methods, and predict bioaccumulation. If you live near a contaminated site or are a breastfeeding parent, researchers may invite you to provide samples and share health history to help understand exposure and effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to be invited are residents near identified PFAS-contaminated sites, especially pregnant or breastfeeding people and children, and those in partner states (RI, MA, DE, ME, NJ, MI).
Not a fit: People with no known PFAS exposure or who need immediate medical treatment for an unrelated condition are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to clearer guidance to reduce PFAS exposure, better protection for children and breastfeeding families, and improvements to site cleanup efforts.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked PFAS to immune and metabolic effects, especially in children, but many exposure pathways and long-term effects remain unclear and need further study.
Where this research is happening
Kingston, United States
- 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 below.