STEEP SRP Seminar with Dr. Joseph Braun: PFAS Exposure and Health Risks

Dr. Joseph Braun, Professor of Epidemiology at Brown University, will present PFAS Exposure and Its Health Impacts: Understanding Sources, Health Risks, and Interventions” on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The seminar will focus on the relationship between PFAS exposure and long-term metabolic diseases, as well as strategies for assessing and mitigating these risks.

Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
đź“Ť Location: URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Large Conference Room
đź”— Zoom Registration: Register here

Abstract:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent chemicals found in nearly all humans and are suspected to contribute to various metabolic disruptions. PFAS exposure, particularly during key developmental periods, may increase the risk of long-term diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. This seminar will cover PFAS sources, the health risks of exposure, potential interventions to reduce human exposure, and emerging methodologies for evaluating PFAS body burden and associated health effects.

About the Speaker:
Dr. Joseph Braun is a Professor of Epidemiology and the Director of the Center for Children’s Environmental Health at Brown University. He investigates the health impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. His research focuses on the effects of EDC mixtures on childhood obesity, cardiometabolic conditions, and neurodevelopment. Dr. Braun’s work integrates metabolomics and DNA methylation to explore the biological mechanisms underlying the health outcomes of chemical exposures. He also leads intervention studies aimed at reducing human exposure to harmful environmental chemicals.