DrAlexandra Richardson
Research Associate
School of Public Health - Faculty of Medicine
Orcid identifier0000-0002-0741-3866 (opens in a new tab)
- Research AssociateSchool of Public Health - Faculty of Medicine
- 1017, Sir Michael Uren Hub, White City Campus, United Kingdom
RESEARCH
iTAPS - Investigating the Toxicological Assessment of PFAS: Evaluating human health impacts from "forever chemicals"
The aim of this project is to evaluate human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other forever chemicals via drinking water sources in Greater London and the surrounding areas. Forever chemicals, including PFAS, are widely used in fire fighter foams, water and stain repellents in textiles, non-stick applications in food and cook wear, and lubricants. However, due to their structural properties, which also confer many of the desirable characteristics listed above, they are extremely difficult to breakdown and will persist in many environmental compartments (e.g., soil and water). Due to their persistence and mobility in the environment, there are growing concerns that humans could be indirectly exposed to these compounds through drinking water sources. Currently there are no statutory standards for PFAS in drinking water in England and Wales, nor is there guidance issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In the UK, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) routinely monitors levels of PFAS in drinking water and assures the quality and safety of drinking water.
The aim of this project is to evaluate human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other forever chemicals via drinking water sources in Greater London and the surrounding areas. Forever chemicals, including PFAS, are widely used in fire fighter foams, water and stain repellents in textiles, non-stick applications in food and cook wear, and lubricants. However, due to their structural properties, which also confer many of the desirable characteristics listed above, they are extremely difficult to breakdown and will persist in many environmental compartments (e.g., soil and water). Due to their persistence and mobility in the environment, there are growing concerns that humans could be indirectly exposed to these compounds through drinking water sources. Currently there are no statutory standards for PFAS in drinking water in England and Wales, nor is there guidance issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In the UK, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) routinely monitors levels of PFAS in drinking water and assures the quality and safety of drinking water.