Arkansas Children’s Research Institute looks to build on ‘forever chemicals’ research
The Arkansas Children’s Research Institute is building on earlier research findings to investigate how exposure to “forever chemicals” — scientifically known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — affects child development. These persistent chemicals, found in everyday items like cookware, clothing and food packaging, have been linked to potential health risks due to their ability to accumulate in the body over time. Led by Aline Andres, Ph.D., the research will explore how prenatal exposure to PFAS influences gene activity in the placenta and whether maternal physical activity during pregnancy can mitigate these effects. “By working closely with experts from many fields, our team will find out how PFAS affects children as they grow,” Andres said. “Our goal is to find ways to protect children from any potential harm these chemicals could cause.”
The team aims to leverage the resources of the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, one of only six Human Nutrition Research Centers in the U.S. The research will examine the interplay between PFAS exposure, placental function and postnatal health outcomes, with a special focus on the protective role of exercise. “We know that exercise is the key to improved health in many situations,” Andres added. “We’re excited to see if this may be one more way physical activity leads to healthier families.”