Research

Children’s Health Study

The PFAS-REACH Children’s Health Study is investigating PFAS exposures and possible effects on the immune systems of children. The study includes children who may have been exposed to PFAS from drinking water at the Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth, NH, as well as in Hyannis and Ayer, MA — communities that have experienced past contamination of their public drinking water supplies.

Researchers tested blood samples collected between 2021 and 2024 from 87 children living in Pease, Hyannis, and Ayer. As summarized in this fact sheet, the study found that children from Pease had higher levels of two PFAS chemicals compared to those in Hyannis and Ayer. However, among children at Pease, PFAS levels were lower than levels observed in earlier testing conducted in 2015 and between 2019 and 2021. The researchers continue to evaluate possible immune system effects and to understand how diet and consumer products contribute to children’s PFAS exposure.

Exploring Experiences of Impacted Communities

Across the U.S., hundreds of communities have discovered PFAS contaminants in their drinking water supplies, as well as in local fish, livestock, and farmland. Each community faces their own unique set of challenges, and different communities respond in different ways. To understand the experiences of impacted communities, the PFAS-REACH team conducted interviews with impacted community members and local officials.

In a 2024 paper, the team describes how local factors, such as the source of PFAS contamination, can significantly influence the extent of cleanup efforts. The paper also shows that even a small number of residents can drive local action to address contamination and help inform regulations at the state and national levels. In ongoing work, PFAS REACH scientists are conducting interviews with clinicians to understand their experiences in addressing patient questions and concerns about PFAS.

Supporting PFAS blood testing

A groundbreaking 2022 report by the National Academies recommends that PFAS blood testing be made available to people who may have been exposed to high levels of PFAS. However, accessing these tests can be a challenge when local clinicians are unfamiliar with PFAS. The PFAS Exchange features information about PFAS blood testing labs and questions to ask when considering whether to get a blood test. In addition, a study funded in part by PFAS-REACH showed that results from a novel home-based fingerprick test match results from more conventional blood testing. In the future, the PFAS-REACH team aims to improve access to PFAS blood testing, particularly in communities that have not previously had access to this type of testing.