Superfund Research Program

May 2024

Paper of the Month or Year

A new approach might help scientists better prioritize which PFAS – a large class of compounds linked to negative health outcomes – should be included in health risk assessments, according to researchers at the Texas A&M University Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center.

The team investigated how 26 different PFAS impacted cell function and gene expression in lab-grown liver and heart cells. PFAS had minimal effect on liver cell function, but eight PFAS compounds negatively affected heart cell function. Gene expression was affected in both liver and heart cells.

Researchers then compared their approach to traditional structure-based grouping methods, and they found no structural similarities among PFAS compounds that exerted similar effects on the cells. This suggests traditional methods may not adequately predict PFAS’ effects, and the new approach may provide a better alternative, says the research team.

Read more in the NIEHS Environmental Factor Newsletter.