@article{bline_dewitt_kwiatkowski_pelch_reade_varshavsky_2024, title={Public Health Risks of PFAS-Related Immunotoxicity Are Real}, ISSN={["2196-5412"]}, DOI={10.1007/s40572-024-00441-y}, abstractNote={Abstract Purpose of Review The discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and humans worldwide has ignited scientific research, government inquiry, and public concern over numerous adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure. In this review, we discuss the use of PFAS immunotoxicity data in regulatory and clinical decision-making contexts and question whether recent efforts adequately account for PFAS immunotoxicity in public health decision-making. Recent Findings Government and academic reviews confirm the strongest human evidence for PFAS immunotoxicity is reduced antibody production in response to vaccinations, particularly for tetanus and diphtheria. However, recent events, such as the economic analysis supporting the proposed national primary drinking water regulations and clinical monitoring recommendations, indicate a failure to adequately incorporate these data into regulatory and clinical decisions. Summary To be more protective of public health, we recommend using all relevant immunotoxicity data to inform current and future PFAS-related chemical risk assessment and regulation. Biological measures of immune system effects, such as reduced antibody levels in response to vaccination, should be used as valid and informative markers of health outcomes and risks associated with PFAS exposure. Routine toxicity testing should be expanded to include immunotoxicity evaluations in adult and developing organisms. In addition, clinical recommendations for PFAS-exposed individuals and communities should be revisited and strengthened to provide guidance on incorporating immune system monitoring and other actions that can be taken to protect against adverse health outcomes.}, journal={CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REPORTS}, author={Bline, Abigail P. and Dewitt, Jamie C. and Kwiatkowski, Carol F. and Pelch, Katherine E. and Reade, Anna and Varshavsky, Julia R.}, year={2024}, month={Mar} }
 @article{fuoco_kwiatkowski_birnbaum_blum_2023, title={Effective communications strategies to increase the impact of environmental health research}, volume={22}, ISSN={["1476-069X"]}, DOI={10.1186/s12940-023-00997-6}, abstractNote={Abstract Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are the subject of a growing body of research with the potential to positively impact public and ecological health. However, to effect positive change, findings must be communicated beyond the scientific community. Objective We sought to (a) evaluate the relationships between communications strategy, media attention, and scholarly citations of PFAS research and (b) offer guidance for researchers and communications professionals who would like to publicize future work and increase its impact. Methods We analyzed 273 peer-reviewed epidemiological studies on PFAS human health impacts with publication years 2018–2020, as collected by a pre-existing database. We investigated whether a press release was issued, open-access status, abstract and press release readability, timing of publication and press release distribution, journal impact factor, study type and sample size, statistical significance of finding(s), number of scholarly citations, and the Altmetric Attention Score (a measure of media attention). Discussion Of papers reporting a statistically significant association with health harm, those with a press release received 20 times more media attention (as assessed by Altmetric scores) than those that did not. However, only 6.2% of all papers and 7.8% of significant papers issued one. Among papers with a press release, media attention was positively correlated with better abstract and press release readability and speed in issuing the press release. Scholarly citations were positively correlated with media attention, presence of a press release, and open-access status. Conclusion Most papers with significant findings on PFAS are published without a press release and receive little or no media attention. This reduces the likelihood that important research is reaching the public and decisionmakers who can translate science into action. Issuing a press release and receiving media attention also appear to increase scholarly citations. We provide recommendations for authors to increase the reach and impact of future papers.}, number={1}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH}, author={Fuoco, Rebecca E. and Kwiatkowski, Carol F. and Birnbaum, Linda S. and Blum, Arlene}, year={2023}, month={Jul} }
 @article{lapier_blum_brown_kwiatkowski_phillips_ray_sun_2023, title={Evaluating the Performance of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Finishes on Upholstery Fabrics}, ISSN={["2330-5517"]}, DOI={10.1177/24723444231159856}, abstractNote={Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are widely used to provide a hydrophobic and oleophobic barrier in some fabric finishing. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of harmful chemicals that persist in the environment and our bodies. For indoor upholstery, these finishes are used to prevent staining. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance finishes on commercial indoor fabrics for liquid repellency and stain performance. Three fabrics, each with an unfinished control, a dip finish, and a foam finish, were tested with coffee and oil-based salad dressing stains, two dwell times, two stain application procedures, and three abrasion conditions. Oil stain severity was affected by fabric type, finish, dwell time, and application procedure, but not abrasion. For water-based coffee stains, only fabric type had an effect. Droplet contact angle tests were also performed, revealing water and oil repellency is quickly lost with abrasion. Of the six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance-finished fabrics tested, five showed small improvements in stain performance over unfinished fabrics; however, the performance differences between fabric types were much larger than the benefits from finishes. For oil stains, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance finishes help in ideal conditions when the finish is unabraded, stains are set gently on the fabric, and stains are cleaned quickly. Our results suggest that the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on indoor furniture can be considerably reduced through intentional material selection to achieve better stain performance in lieu of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance finishes.}, journal={AATCC JOURNAL OF RESEARCH}, author={LaPier, Jonas and Blum, Arlene and Brown, Brandon R. and Kwiatkowski, Carol F. and Phillips, Betsy and Ray, Hannah and Sun, Gang}, year={2023}, month={Apr} }
 @article{balan_andrews_blum_diamond_fernandez_harriman_lindstrom_reade_richter_sutton_et al._2023, title={Optimizing Chemicals Management in the United States and Canada through the Essential-Use Approach}, ISSN={["1520-5851"]}, DOI={10.1021/acs.est.2c05932}, abstractNote={Chemicals have improved the functionality and convenience of industrial and consumer products, but sometimes at the expense of human or ecological health. Existing regulatory systems have proven to be inadequate for assessing and managing the tens of thousands of chemicals in commerce. A different approach is urgently needed to minimize ongoing production, use, and exposures to hazardous chemicals. The premise of the essential-use approach is that chemicals of concern should be used only in cases in which their function in specific products is necessary for health, safety, or the functioning of society and when feasible alternatives are unavailable. To optimize the essential-use approach for broader implementation in the United States and Canada, we recommend that governments and businesses (1) identify chemicals of concern for essentiality assessments based on a broad range of hazard traits, going beyond toxicity; (2) expedite decision-making by avoiding unnecessary assessments and strategically asking up to three questions to determine whether the use of the chemical in the product is essential; (3) apply the essential-use approach as early as possible in the process of developing and assessing chemicals; and (4) engage diverse experts in identifying chemical uses and functions, assessing alternatives, and making essentiality determinations and share such information broadly. If optimized and expanded into regulatory systems in the United States and Canada, other policymaking bodies, and businesses, the essential-use approach can improve chemicals management and shift the market toward safer chemistries that benefit human and ecological health.}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY}, author={Balan, Simona A. and Andrews, David Q. and Blum, Arlene and Diamond, Miriam L. and Fernandez, Seth Rojello and Harriman, Elizabeth and Lindstrom, Andrew B. and Reade, Anna and Richter, Lauren and Sutton, Rebecca and et al.}, year={2023}, month={Jan} }
 @article{balan_andrews_blum_diamond_fernandez_harriman_lindstrom_reade_richter_sutton_et al._2023, title={Optimizing Chemicals Management in the United States and Canada through the Essential-Use Approach}, ISSN={["1520-5851"]}, DOI={10.1021/acs.est.2c059321568}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY}, author={Balan, Simona A. and Andrews, David Q. and Blum, Arlene and Diamond, Miriam L. and Fernandez, Seth Rojello and Harriman, Elizabeth and Lindstrom, Andrew B. and Reade, Anna and Richter, Lauren and Sutton, Rebecca and et al.}, year={2023}, month={Jan}, pages={1568–1575} }
 @article{arnold_blum_branyan_bruton_carignan_cortopassi_datta_dewitt_doherty_halden_et al._2023, title={Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern}, ISSN={["1520-5851"]}, DOI={10.1021/acs.est.2c08244}, abstractNote={Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), a large class of chemicals that includes high production volume substances, have been used for decades as antimicrobials, preservatives, and antistatic agents and for other functions in cleaning, disinfecting, personal care products, and durable consumer goods. QAC use has accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the banning of 19 antimicrobials from several personal care products by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2016. Studies conducted before and after the onset of the pandemic indicate increased human exposure to QACs. Environmental releases of these chemicals have also increased. Emerging information on adverse environmental and human health impacts of QACs is motivating a reconsideration of the risks and benefits across the life cycle of their production, use, and disposal. This work presents a critical review of the literature and scientific perspective developed by a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team of authors from academia, governmental, and nonprofit organizations. The review evaluates currently available information on the ecological and human health profile of QACs and identifies multiple areas of potential concern. Adverse ecological effects include acute and chronic toxicity to susceptible aquatic organisms, with concentrations of some QACs approaching levels of concern. Suspected or known adverse health outcomes include dermal and respiratory effects, developmental and reproductive toxicity, disruption of metabolic function such as lipid homeostasis, and impairment of mitochondrial function. QACs’ role in antimicrobial resistance has also been demonstrated. In the US regulatory system, how a QAC is managed depends on how it is used, for example in pesticides or personal care products. This can result in the same QACs receiving different degrees of scrutiny depending on the use and the agency regulating it. Further, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s current method of grouping QACs based on structure, first proposed in 1988, is insufficient to address the wide range of QAC chemistries, potential toxicities, and exposure scenarios. Consequently, exposures to common mixtures of QACs and from multiple sources remain largely unassessed. Some restrictions on the use of QACs have been implemented in the US and elsewhere, primarily focused on personal care products. Assessing the risks posed by QACs is hampered by their vast structural diversity and a lack of quantitative data on exposure and toxicity for the majority of these compounds. This review identifies important data gaps and provides research and policy recommendations for preserving the utility of QAC chemistries while also seeking to limit adverse environmental and human health effects.}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY}, author={Arnold, William A. . and Blum, Arlene and Branyan, Jennifer and Bruton, Thomas A. . and Carignan, Courtney C. and Cortopassi, Gino and Datta, Sandipan and DeWitt, Jamie and Doherty, Anne-Cooper and Halden, Rolf U. and et al.}, year={2023}, month={May} }
 @article{rayasam_aung_cooper_kwiatkowski_germolec_rooney_walker_forte_woodruff_chartres_2022, title={Identifying environmental factors that influence immune response to SARS-CoV-2: Systematic evidence map protocol}, volume={164}, ISSN={["1873-6750"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.envint.2022.107230}, abstractNote={Widespread environmental contamination can directly interact with human immune system functions. Environmental effects on the immune system may influence human susceptibility to respiratory infections as well as the severity of infectious diseases, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, the efficacy of vaccines to respiratory diseases may be impacted by environmental exposures through immune perturbations. Given the quick pace of research about COVID-19 and associated risk factors, it is critical to identify and curate the streams of evidence quickly and effectively. We developed this systematic evidence map protocol to identify and organize existing human and animal literature on high-priority environmental chemical classes (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, phthalates, quaternary ammonium compounds, and air pollutants) and their potential to influence three key outcomes: (1) susceptibility to respiratory infection, including SARS-CoV-2 (2) severity of the resultant disease progression, and (3) impact on vaccine efficacy. The result of this project will be an online, interactive database which will show what evidence is currently available between involuntary exposures to select environmental chemicals and immune health effects, data gaps that require further research, and data rich areas that may support further analysis. We will search PubMed for epidemiological or toxicological literature on select toxicants from each of the chemical classes and each of the three outcomes listed above. For each study, two independent reviewers will conduct title and abstract screening as well as full text review for data extraction of study characteristics. Study quality will not be evaluated in this evidence mapping. The main findings from the systematic evidence map will be visualized using a publicly available and interactive database hosted on Tableau Public.}, journal={ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL}, author={Rayasam, Swati D. G. and Aung, Max T. and Cooper, Courtney and Kwiatkowski, Carol and Germolec, Dori R. and Rooney, Andrew A. and Walker, Vickie R. and Forte, Chanese and Woodruff, Tracey J. and Chartres, Nicholas}, year={2022}, month={Jun} }
 @article{pelch_kwiatkowski_2022, title={Invited Perspective: The Promise of Fit-for-Purpose Systematic Evidence Maps for Supporting Regulatory Health Assessment}, volume={130}, ISSN={["1552-9924"]}, DOI={10.1289/EHP10743}, abstractNote={The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is charged with the Herculean task of critically assessing the safety of tens of thousands of chemicals. New methods that support improved efficiency and effectiveness of risk assessments, including the systematic evidence map described by Carlson et al. in this issue, are greatly needed. The application of systematic review (SR) methods to the field of environmental health began in earnest nearly a decade ago with the development and publication of applicable methods.2–4 Today the approach has evolved to include systematic evidence maps (SEMs), which provide access to study data extracted from a large body of evidence to inform SR, risk assessment, and other chemical management workflows. SEMs are extremely useful for assessing large chemical classes, such as perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), for which the scientific evidence base is poorly characterized. PFAS are widely used in consumer and industrial products; they are persistent and mobile, and thus ubiquitous in the environment; and several have been demonstrated to be harmful to humans and wildlife.6–11 PFAS have been detected in the bodies of nearly every person tested, in the United States and worldwide. With more than 12,000 PFAS identified to date, the time it would take to assess them individually would lead to unnecessary delays in regulating these chemicals when so many people are already at risk. We and others have called for management of PFAS as a single class. Until that happens, the U.S. EPA can be commended for its efforts to assess large groups of PFAS such as those evaluated by Carlson et al. in their SEM of approximately 150 PFAS (PFAS-150). PFAS-150 follows many of the best practices for conducting SR and SEM, including a clear statement of objectives, a comprehensive literature search that interrogates diverse data repositories (including gray literature), and a structured format for organizing extracted study details. Therefore, we believe the data extracted for display in this SEM, which is a very resourceintensive endeavor, should be used in future health assessments of the included PFAS. Carlson et al. used machine learning tools to greatly improve the efficiency of the SEM workflow, including SWIFT-Active Screener, which iteratively prioritizes titles and abstracts for manual screening. The use of SWIFT-Active Screener for this purpose has been externally validated. The authors also used evidence stream filters in the related tool, SWIFT-Review, to prioritize studies most applicable to human health risk assessment. Although this tool appears valuable for reducing the screening burden, the validity and reliability of the tagging against manual review needs to be assessed. In the meantime, other tools such as DistillerSR’s “Check for Screening Errors” are available to confirm there were no “false excludes.” As new machine learning and artificial intelligence tools are developed to support the emerging field of SR and SEM, we believe it is imperative they be evaluated for accuracy and consistency. The scope of an SEM is determined and defined by the Population, Exposure, Comparison, and Outcome (PECO) statement.We recently released the PFAS-ToxDatabase, an SEMof 29 PFAS available at https://pfastoxdatabase.org/. Our SEM covers a similar time period, but our PECO statement differs significantly from the one used for PFAS-150. This resulted in different results for the eight PFAS in common between the two SEMs (Table 1). For example, whereas we identified 54 animal studies for PFUnDA, Carlson et al. identified only 2. The PECO statement guiding development of the PFAS-ToxDatabasewas intentionally very broad, because our goal was to present the entirety of the peer reviewed health and toxicological literature for the included PFAS. In comparison, Carlson et al. used a narrower PECO statement to guide their work, with their goal being a fit-forpurpose SEM that informs the type of human health assessment work that the U.S. EPA routinely conducts.}, number={5}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES}, author={Pelch, Katherine E. and Kwiatkowski, Carol F.}, year={2022}, month={May} }
 @article{pelch_reade_kwiatkowski_merced-nieves_cavalier_schultz_wolffe_varshavsky_2022, title={The PFAS-Tox Database: A systematic evidence map of health studies on 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances}, volume={167}, ISSN={["1873-6750"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.envint.2022.107408}, abstractNote={PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large class of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial processes. The scientific literature on PFAS has increased dramatically in the last decade. Many stakeholders, including regulators, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and concerned individuals could benefit from an efficient way to access the health and toxicological literature related to PFAS.To create a systematic evidence map of the available peer-reviewed health or toxicological research for 29 PFAS.A protocol for conducting this systematic evidence map was initially published on Zenodo (Pelch et al. 2019c), then peer reviewed and published in Environment International (Pelch et al. 2019d). PubMed database was searched through January 25, 2021. Studies were screened for inclusion and exclusion according to the Populations, Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes (PECO) statement. Inclusion criteria were intentionally broad and included any human, animal, and/or in vitro study that investigated exposure to one of the 29 PFAS of interest and a human health or toxicological effect. Selected study details were extracted from included studies as described in the protocol. Study appraisal was not conducted. The included studies and extracted meta-data are freely available in the online, interactive systematic evidence map at https://pfastoxdatabase.org.Over 15,000 studies were retrieved from the PubMed literature searches. After manual screening, 1,067 studies were identified and included as investigating the health or toxicological effect of one or more PFAS of interest. There were 505 human, 385 animal, and 220 in vitro studies. Summary tables of the extracted data and overall observations are included in this report.The PFAS-Tox Database is a useful tool for searching, filtering, and identifying peer reviewed research on the health and toxicological effects of the included PFAS. In this summary of the evidence map we provide examples of data gaps and clusters revealed by the database, with the goal of helping direct future research efforts, facilitate systematic reviews (e.g. on immune effects, mixtures of PFAS, or effects of short chain PFAS), inform regulatory risk assessments, and improve opportunities for cross-disciplinary coordination. We also discuss how this tool supports scientists, regulatory agencies, and other individuals by increasing awareness and access to current evidence regarding the health effects associated with PFAS exposure.}, journal={ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL}, author={Pelch, Katherine E. and Reade, Anna and Kwiatkowski, Carol F. and Merced-Nieves, Francheska M. and Cavalier, Haleigh and Schultz, Kim and Wolffe, Taylor and Varshavsky, Julia}, year={2022}, month={Sep} }
 @article{patisaul_behl_birnbaum_blum_diamond_fernandez_hogberg_kwiatkowski_page_soehl_et al._2021, title={Beyond Cholinesterase Inhibition: Developmental Neurotoxicity of Organophosphate Ester Flame Retardants and Plasticizers}, volume={129}, ISSN={["1552-9924"]}, DOI={10.1289/EHP9285}, abstractNote={Background: To date, the toxicity of organophosphate esters has primarily been studied regarding their use as pesticides and their effects on the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Currently, flame retardants and plasticizers are the two largest market segments for organophosphate esters and they are found in a wide variety of products, including electronics, building materials, vehicles, furniture, car seats, plastics, and textiles. As a result, organophosphate esters and their metabolites are routinely found in human urine, blood, placental tissue, and breast milk across the globe. It has been asserted that their neurological effects are minimal given that they do not act on AChE in precisely the same way as organophosphate ester pesticides. Objectives: This commentary describes research on the non-AChE neurodevelopmental toxicity of organophosphate esters used as flame retardants and plasticizers (OPEs). Studies in humans, mammalian, nonmammalian, and in vitro models are presented, and relevant neurodevelopmental pathways, including adverse outcome pathways, are described. By highlighting this scientific evidence, we hope to elevate the level of concern for widespread human exposure to these OPEs and to provide recommendations for how to better protect public health. Discussion: Collectively, the findings presented demonstrate that OPEs can alter neurodevelopmental processes by interfering with noncholinergic pathways at environmentally relevant doses. Application of a pathways framework indicates several specific mechanisms of action, including perturbation of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid and disruption of the endocrine system. The effects may have implications for the development of cognitive and social skills in children. Our conclusion is that concern is warranted for the developmental neurotoxicity of OPE exposure. We thus describe important considerations for reducing harm and to provide recommendations for government and industry decision makers. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9285}, number={10}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES}, author={Patisaul, Heather B. and Behl, Mamta and Birnbaum, Linda S. and Blum, Arlene and Diamond, Miriam L. and Fernandez, Seth Rojello and Hogberg, Helena T. and Kwiatkowski, Carol F. and Page, Jamie D. and Soehl, Anna and et al.}, year={2021}, month={Oct} }
 @article{kwiatkowski_andrews_birnbaum_bruton_dewitt_knappe_maffini_miller_pelch_reade_et al._2020, title={Scientific Basis for Managing PFAS as a Chemical Class}, volume={7}, ISSN={["2328-8930"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00255}, DOI={10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00255}, abstractNote={This commentary presents a scientific basis for managing as one chemical class the thousands of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The class includes perfluoroalkyl acids, perfluoroalkylether acids, and their precursors; fluoropolymers and perfluoropolyethers; and other PFAS. The basis for the class approach is presented in relation to their physicochemical, environmental, and toxicological properties. Specifically, the high persistence, accumulation potential, and/or hazards (known and potential) of PFAS studied to date warrant treating all PFAS as a single class. Examples are provided of how some PFAS are being regulated and how some businesses are avoiding all PFAS in their products and purchasing decisions. We conclude with options for how governments and industry can apply the class-based approach, emphasizing the importance of eliminating non-essential uses of PFAS, and further developing safer alternatives and methods to remove existing PFAS from the environment.}, number={8}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Kwiatkowski, Carol F. and Andrews, David Q. and Birnbaum, Linda S. and Bruton, Thomas A. and DeWitt, Jamie C. and Knappe, Detlef R. U. and Maffini, Maricel V and Miller, Mark F. and Pelch, Katherine E. and Reade, Anna and et al.}, year={2020}, month={Aug}, pages={532–543} }
 @misc{pelch_bolden_kwiatkowski_2019, title={Environmental Chemicals and Autism: A Scoping Review of the Human and Animal Research}, volume={127}, ISSN={["1552-9924"]}, DOI={10.1289/EHP4386}, abstractNote={Background: Estimates of autism prevalence have increased dramatically over the past two decades. Evidence suggests environmental factors may contribute to the etiology of the disorder. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to identify and categorize primary research and reviews on the association between prenatal and early postnatal exposure to environmental chemicals and the development of autism in epidemiological studies and rodent models of autism. Methods: PubMed was searched through 8 February 2018. Included studies assessed exposure to environmental chemicals prior to 2 months of age in humans or 14 d in rodents. Rodent studies were considered relevant if they included at least one measurement of reciprocal social communicative behavior or repetitive and stereotyped behavior. Study details are presented in interactive displays using Tableau Public. Results: The search returned 21,603 unique studies, of which 54 epidemiological studies, 46 experimental rodent studies, and 50 reviews were deemed relevant, covering 152 chemical exposures. The most frequently studied exposures in humans were particulate matter (n=14), mercury (n=14), nonspecific air pollution (n=10), and lead (n=10). In rodent studies, the most frequently studied exposures were chlorpyrifos (n=9), mercury (n=6), and lead (n=4). Discussion: Although research is growing rapidly, wide variability exists in study design and conduct, exposures investigated, and outcomes assessed. Conclusions focus on recommendations to guide development of best practices in epidemiology and toxicology, including greater harmonization across these fields of research to more quickly and efficiently identify chemicals of concern. In particular, we recommend chlorpyrifos, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) be systematically reviewed in order to assess their relationship with the development of autism. There is a pressing need to move forward quickly and efficiently to understand environmental influences on autism in order to answer current regulatory questions and inform treatment and prevention efforts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4386}, number={4}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES}, author={Pelch, Katherine E. and Bolden, Ashley L. and Kwiatkowski, Carol F.}, year={2019}, month={Apr} }
 @misc{pelch_reade_wolffe_kwiatkowski_2019, title={PFAS health effects database: Protocol for a systematic evidence map}, volume={130}, ISSN={["1873-6750"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.045}, abstractNote={Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) confer waterproof, greaseproof, and non-stick properties when added to consumer products. They are also used for industrial purposes including in aqueous film forming foams for firefighting. PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment, are widely detected in human biomonitoring studies, and are of growing regulatory concern across federal, state, and local governments. Regulators, scientists, and citizens need to stay informed on the growing health and toxicology literature related to PFAS.The goal of this systematic evidence map is to identify and organize the available health and toxicology related literature on a set of 29 PFAS of emerging and growing concern.We will search the electronic database PubMed for health or toxicological studies on 29 PFAS of emerging concern. Eligible studies must contain primary research investigating the link between one or more of the PFAS of interest and a health effect, toxicological, or biological mechanistic endpoint.Title and abstract screening and full text review will require a single reviewer for inclusion to the next level and two independent reviewers for exclusion. Study quality will not be conducted for this evidence mapping. Study characteristics will be extracted and coded from the included studies and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. The extracted and coded information will be visualized in a publicly available, interactive database hosted on Tableau Public. Results of the evidence mapping will be published in a narrative summary.}, journal={ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL}, author={Pelch, Katherine E. and Reade, Anna and Wolffe, Taylor A. M. and Kwiatkowski, Carol F.}, year={2019}, month={Sep} }
 @misc{bolden_schultz_pelch_kwiatkowski_2018, title={Exploring the endocrine activity of air pollutants associated with unconventional oil and gas extraction}, volume={17}, ISSN={["1476-069X"]}, DOI={10.1186/s12940-018-0368-z}, abstractNote={In the last decade unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction has rapidly proliferated throughout the United States (US) and the world. This occurred largely because of the development of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing which allows access to fossil fuels from geologic formations that were previously not cost effective to pursue. This process is known to use greater than 1,000 chemicals such as solvents, surfactants, detergents, and biocides. In addition, a complex mixture of chemicals, including heavy metals, naturally-occurring radioactive chemicals, and organic compounds are released from the formations and can enter air and water. Compounds associated with UOG activity have been linked to adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes in humans and laboratory animal models, which is possibly due to the presence of endocrine active chemicals.Using systematic methods, electronic searches of PubMed and Web of Science were conducted to identify studies that measured chemicals in air near sites of UOG activity. Records were screened by title and abstract, relevant articles then underwent full text review, and data were extracted from the studies. A list of chemicals detected near UOG sites was generated. Then, the potential endocrine activity of the most frequently detected chemicals was explored via searches of literature from PubMed.Evaluation of 48 studies that sampled air near sites of UOG activity identified 106 chemicals detected in two or more studies. Ethane, benzene and n-pentane were the top three most frequently detected. Twenty-one chemicals have been shown to have endocrine activity including estrogenic and androgenic activity and the ability to alter steroidogenesis. Literature also suggested that some of the air pollutants may affect reproduction, development, and neurophysiological function, all endpoints which can be modulated by hormones. These chemicals included aromatics (i.e., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and mercury.These results provide a basis for prioritizing future primary studies regarding the endocrine disrupting properties of UOG air pollutants, including exposure research in wildlife and humans. Further, we recommend systematic reviews of the health impacts of exposure to specific chemicals, and comprehensive environmental sampling of a broader array of chemicals.}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH}, author={Bolden, Ashley L. and Schultz, Kim and Pelch, Katherine E. and Kwiatkowski, Carol F.}, year={2018}, month={Mar} }