NIH Research Grant to Study Long-term Associations of PFAS

September 2023

Abby Fleisch, MD, Faculty Scientist at the MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR), Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and MMC Attending Physician in Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, continues her work researching the effects of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). She is an MPI with contact PI Emily Oken of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care on a five year R01 grant from NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This study will investigate the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure across midlife and older age on (1) musculoskeletal health and (2) cardiovascular disease in older adults, and (3) the potential for lifestyle behaviors to mitigate these health impacts. The findings will inform PFAS legislation and health guidance for exposed individuals, with implications for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular risk reduction.