[Resource] PFAS-REACH Science-based Guidance for Patients and Clinicians to Inform Their Decision Making

July 9, 2021

Read the full medical guidance document for impacted communities by PFAS-REACH
Read the full medical guidance document for clinicians by PFAS-REACH

Guidance for impacted communities:
PFAS-REACH is a research partnership between Silent Spring Institute, Northeastern University, Michigan State University, Testing for Pease, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, and Community Action Works, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Working with an advisory team of scientists, physicians, and community members, they developed guidance for impacted communities with science-based suggestions on medical screening for people who reside in communities that have been affected by substantial amounts of PFAS exposure. There is very little guidance available, and affected communities have found existing material to often be dismissive of their concerns and of the connections of PFAS with health effects. People can be exposed at home by drinking or eating contaminated substances, and at work due to chemical production or usage, and infants are exposed through their mother’s placenta or breast milk. Exposure to PFAS can be detrimental for human health and associated with: immune system disruption, increase in total and LDL cholesterol levels, and liver damage. There are currently no medically approved treatments to speed up removal of PFAS from the human body and because of their widespread existence, they are difficult to avoid altogether. However, ways to limit exposure include using a water filter, household and consumer PFA products, and limit the use of take out containers and food packaging. People who may have been highly exposed to PFAS should talk with their providers about whether medical screening is appropriate for health conditions linked with PFAS exposure.

Guidance for medical communities:
PFAS-REACH is a research partnership between Silent Spring Institute, Northeastern University, Michigan State University, Testing for Pease, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, and Community Action Works, and funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Working with an advisory team of scientists, physicians, and community members, they developed guidance for medical communities with science-based suggestions on medical screening for PFAS-exposed people. The document identifies laboratory testing, clinical examinations, and counseling topics for both adult and pediatric patients that providers may want to discuss with for patients in communities with PFAS-contaminated water. Laboratory testing for adults and pediatrics includes lipid panels because exposure to PFAS is associated with higher cholesterol levels and liver function tests. Additional laboratory testing may be advised to detect possible kidney diseases, and thyroid tests to test for thyroid disease. Regular testicular examinations should be done for adult and pediatric male patients. Providers should consider talking with patients about vaccine efficacy, pregnancy and breastfeeding outcomes, and other topics.