An oat fiber intervention for reducing PFAS body burden: A pilot study in male C57Bl/6 J mice.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a major public health concern, in part because several PFAS have elimination half-lives on the order of years and are associated with adverse health outcomes. While PFAS can be transported into bile, their efficient reuptake by intestinal transporter proteins results in minimal fecal elimination. Here, we tested the hypothesis that consumption of oat β-glucan, a dietary supplement known to disrupt the enterohepatic recirculation of bile acids, will reduce PFAS body burdens.

Chemical mixtures of mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and pesticides in freshwater fish in the US and the risks they pose for fish consumption.

Background: Freshwater fish are important food sources that also pose risks to human and wildlife health because of the bioaccumulation of environmental chemicals in their tissues. Although most studies, fish consumption advisories, and regulations focus on individual contaminants, fish consumers are exposed to mixtures of chemicals, including legacy contaminants and contaminants of emerging concern, that can have combined effects. Chemicals of emerging concern represent one source of hazard, but legacy contaminants can still pose threats to fish consumers due to their persistence in the environment.

Association between Combined Sewer Overflow Events and Gastrointestinal Illness in Massachusetts Municipalities with and without River-Sourced Drinking Water, 2014-2019.

Background: Combined sewer overflow (CSO) events release untreated wastewater into surface waterbodies during heavy precipitation and snowmelt. Combined sewer systems serve people in the United States, primarily in urban and suburban municipalities in the Midwest and Northeast. Predicted increases in heavy precipitation events driven by climate change underscore the importance of quantifying potential health risks associated with CSO events.

Potential Policy and Community Implications of Equitable Organic Waste, Compost, and Urban Agricultural Systems in the United States.

Background: Urban organic waste diverted from landfills for use as compost feedstock may help mitigate and adapt to the effects of our changing climate. Yet, compost produced from urban food and yard waste is often a source of contaminants harmful to human and environmental health. Efforts by multiple municipalities are increasing residential and commercial food and yard waste collection; however, finished, tested compost is typically unavailable to those contributing the waste and whose gardens would benefit.

Manganese in residential drinking water from a community-initiated case study in Massachusetts.

Background: Manganese (Mn) is a metal commonly found in drinking water, but the level that is safe for consumption is unknown. In the United States (U.S.