Center for Environmental and Human Health Effects of PFAS

The mission of this cross-disciplinary Center is to advance research, technology development, training and community engagement about exposure to a class of ubiquitous environmental compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The long-term objectives are to assess PFAS 1) exposure in impacted areas, 2) toxicity and underlying mechanisms of thyroid and immune function, 3) bioaccumulation potential, and 4) remediation.

To meet these objectives, our Center is employing a highly transdisciplinary approach that integrates leaders in diverse fields (epidemiology, environmental science and engineering, biology, toxicology, immunology, data science, and advanced analytics) across two major North Carolina Universities (NC State and East Carolina University); multiple levels of biological organization (biomolecule, pathway, cell, model organisms [periphyton, mayflies, zebrafish, mouse], and human populations); state-of-the-art analytical technologies (CAPTURE); cutting-edge data science and management approaches (DMAC); interdisciplinary, environmental health science training (RETCC); and authentic community engagement (CEC).

This Center is funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.