In the News
STEEP researcher contributes to study confirming link between PFAS — ‘forever chemicals’ — in drinking water and weight gain - Study by team which includes STEEP’s Dr. Philippe Grandjean provides new evidence that being overweight not just about a lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. PFAS content in blood promotes weight gain and makes it harder to keep a lower body weight after weight loss ...Read more
Trainee Spotlight: Asta Habtemichael - Asta Habtemichael inducted in the into the inaugural cohort of American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Future Leaders Society, finalist for the honorary K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award ...Read more
STEEP launches $8.1 million renewal from NIEHS - Against the backdrop of a new federal undertaking to address PFAS pollution, University of Rhode Island-based STEEP (Sources, Transport, Exposure and Effects of Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl contaminants), one of the longer running PFAS science efforts in the country, forges ahead with continued NEIHS support. ...Read more
Children’s products, some identified as “green” or “non-toxic,” contain unlabeled PFAS - Researched investigated children’s apparel, bedding, and furnishings, and found PFAS ranged from 10 to 3660 parts per million (ppm) in 54 of 93 products, with highest concentrations in a water- and stain-resistant school uniform shirt. ...Read more
Exposure to “alternative” PFAS alters gene expression & lipids in human liver cells - Shifts to produce “short-chain” PFAS chemicals compounds forecasted less harm to humans and the environment. However, a study from STEEP has found that “new” PFAS induce liver lipid accumulation and gene activation at lower exposure concentrations than legacy PFAS, with the potential for more detrimental impacts. ...Read more
PFAS precursors underscore importance for fishing advisories - PFAS are widespread in the environment, and many are known to bioaccumulate in food webs. But little is known about the bioaccumulative potential of PFAS precursors, partly due… ...Read more
98%Americans with PFAS in blood
>2,200US PFAS-contaminated sites
>110 millionAmericans with contaminated drinking water supplies
50% decreaseof PFOS and PFOA in blood with water filtration