Extending and Maintaining the GenX Exposure Study

Project Summary/Abstract The overarching goal of the GenX Cohort Study is to answer community questions about the potential health effects of GenX and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The GenX Cohort Study represents a unique opportunity to understand the impacts of PFAS throughout the Cape Fear River Basin (~ 9,000 square miles and 1 million residents). The central goal for this proposal is to provide a framework to strengthen and maintain the GenX Cohort Study infrastructure so that we can continue to provide timely information to impacted communities. In 2020, we were funded to create a community-based cohort of residents from the lower Cape Fear River Region (New Hanover and Brunswick Counties), Fayetteville, and Pittsboro as part of the NC State Superfund Center. A total of 1,091 individuals ages 6 and older were recruited; they provided blood samples for analysis of PFAS and clinical outcomes (lipids, thyroid hormones, and metabolic panel). With this grant, we will enhance our community engagement to ensure long term participation in the study. We will prepare materials in Spanish and maintain a Spanish language website. In efforts to maintain interest in the study, we will expand our community engagement throughout the region with the assistance of community organizers and local NGOs focusing on water and environmental protection. We will also build the infrastructure for the cohort by strengthening the coordinating center and data and specimen management activities. We will continue cohort follow up for another five years and work to build a more inclusive workforce in environmental health and epidemiology.