Exposure, Toxicology and Health
Immunotoxicological testing of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in North Carolina
Dr. Tracey Woodlief
The researchers in this study are focused on producing data needed to implement health-based exposure limits for PFAS specifically found in North Carolina drinking water sources with little to no publicly availably toxicological data.
The establishment of health-based exposure limits at the state level necessitates the use of “reference doses” (RfDs) derived from toxicological studies. RfDs are critical health-based values that establish a connection between exposure doses and adverse health outcomes, serving as the foundation for setting health-based exposure limits. To develop data for RfDs, our research endeavors are primarily focused on conducting immunotoxicological studies using experimental animal models as the immune system is sensitive to PFAS exposure. This research approach is essential to assess potential toxicological hazards associated with these lesser-known PFAS.
Benefit to North Carolina
This project will provide key immunotoxicological data on emerging PFAS that can be used by researchers and policymakers to make science-based decisions to protect human and environmental health.
The North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study (NC-FCCS): Investigating PFAS and Chemical Exposures as Cancer Risks
Dr. Heather Stapleton
Dr. Stapleton’s team will develop and implement the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study (NC-FFCCS). The NC FFCCS will become part of the National Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study and support their overall study goals, while also supporting research questions specific to our North Carolina Firefighters. The NC FFCCS will be based at Duke University and jointly supported by researchers at NC State University.
This project plans to enroll 1000 NC firefighters, and other fire service members (e.g. investigators) and prospectively follow them every two years for the duration of the National FFCCS Study. Oversight for the study will be guided by an External Advisory Board, consisting of fire service members, non-profit organizations, and community members who will meet with the research team on an annual basis to provide feedback and recommendations for research directions. Research supported by the NC-FFCCS will investigate firefighter’s exposure to PFAS as related to use of aqueous film-forming foam AFFF and potentially from turnout gear, in addition to assessment of chemical exposures in the fire house environment (e.g. from the vehicles, building materials) to identify chemical sources. Information gathered from this study will be used to provide recommendations on mitigation strategies to reduce firefighters’ overall exposure and cancer risk.
Benefit to North Carolina
This project will benefit firefighters in North Carolina by helping them to understand their chemical exposures and where the exposures originate. Ultimately, we hope this research will help the fire service members identify steps they can take to reduce their exposure to chemicals that may be associated with an elevated risk for cancer.
Mapping PFAS Serum Levels Throughout the Cape Fear River Basin
Dr. Jane Hoppin
This project will describe PFAS blood levels throughout the Cape Fear River Basin over time. It will use data from the GenX Exposure Study, the GenX Cohort Study, and historic samples collected before 2017.
Benefit to North Carolina
This project will help communities in the Cape Fear River Basin better understand the impacts of PFAS on human health and exposure in their communities.