Introduction by Vice Chancellor Steve Goldstein
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, I am delighted to present the latest installment of our Bridging the Gap series. This edition highlights a study that embodies our commitment to connecting cutting-edge research with public health awareness.
Led by PhD candidate Natalie Binczewski, mentored by Veronica Vieira, DSc, chair and professor of environmental and occupational health, this study explores potential links between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the risk of childhood cancer. Analyzing data from over 40,000 children, the research found that higher concentrations of PFAS in drinking water were associated with increased risk for some childhood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia and nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor). This important work demonstrates how public health research can generate the knowledge needed to drive meaningful change.
Under the leadership of Founding Dean Bernadette Boden-Albala, MPH, DrPH, the school is making an impact far beyond the classroom and Orange County. The school’s work addresses critical aspects of daily life that we often take for granted – access to clean water, safe air and healthy food – as well as initiatives such as vaccine campaigns, outreach to marginalized communities and efforts to enhance worker safety. Identifying risks and designing effective interventions are essential steps toward building a healthier society, and Wen Public Health is at the forefront.
Looking ahead, we must continue to support and train the next generations of public health professionals to tackle the most pressing health issues of our time. This study deepens our understanding of environmental health risks and exemplifies our ongoing mission to: Discover. Teach. Heal.
Uncovering Potential Links Between PFAS Exposure and Childhood Cancers
Featuring:
Natalie Binczewski, PhD candidate, Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
Veronica Vieira, DSc, chair and professor of environmental and occupational health, Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
A recent study led by PhD candidate Natalie Binczewski in the Environmental Health Sciences Graduate Program at Wen Public Health has uncovered potential links between environmental pollutants and childhood cancer, highlighting the critical role of public health research in protecting our communities.
This illuminating research focuses on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. These compounds, found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, have infiltrated our environment and, as this study reveals, potentially our children’s health.
With the support of faculty mentor Veronica Vieira, DSc, Binczewski and her team conducted an extensive investigation into possible connections between PFAS exposure through drinking water and childhood cancers. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 children, including 10,220 diagnosed with cancer, up to age 15 between 2000 and 2015. By correlating birthplace addresses with local water district contamination data, the researchers estimated prenatal PFAS exposure levels.
The results, published in Environmental Epidemiology, revealed potential links between PFAS exposure and childhood cancers. Higher concentrations of two specific PFAS – perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid – were associated with increased risk of certain childhood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia and Wilms tumors. While these findings do not prove causation, they significantly strengthen the evidence linking PFAS exposure to adverse health outcomes such as cancer.
“Our findings suggest a relationship between prenatal PFAS exposure and certain childhood cancers,” Binczewski explains. “This underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring and regulation of these contaminants in our water systems.”
Our findings suggest a relationship between prenatal PFAS exposure and certain childhood cancers. This underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring and regulation of these contaminants in our water systems.
Natalie Binczewski
The study’s interdisciplinary approach, involving experts from UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, Yale School of Public Health and USC’s Keck School of Medicine, demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing complex health issues. By bringing together a wide range of perspectives and expertise, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of environmental health risks.
While this study marks a significant advance in our understanding of PFAS and childhood cancer risk, Binczewski emphasizes that further studies are needed to confirm and expand upon these findings. This ongoing process of scientific inquiry is crucial for addressing public health challenges effectively.
The study’s implications have the potential to influence:
- Future research into the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure
- Development of advanced water treatment technologies
- Exploration of safer alternatives to PFAS in industrial and consumer products
This UC Irvine-led research serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate connections between environmental factors and human health. It challenges us to remain vigilant, push the boundaries of scientific understanding and translate knowledge into meaningful action to protect public health.
By raising awareness about potential risks associated with PFAS in drinking water, this study empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their water sources and advocate for cleaner, safer water in their communities. It exemplifies Wen Public Health’s commitment to bridging the gap between innovative research and tangible improvements in community health.
As we face increasingly complex environmental health challenges, studies like this highlight the vital role of public health research and education in creating a healthier, safer world for current and future generations.
