Coalition Building and Advocacy: Promoting Research on Prenatal PFAS Exposure and Autism

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this project was to increase awareness and encourage an environmental organization to advocate for further research focused on the association of autism spectrum disorder in children that have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prenatally.Background PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in various industries worldwide. They are found in stain and water-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, and fire-fighting foams. Most people have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated water or food, air containing PFAS and using products made with PFAS. Emerging animal studies have shown PFAS can lead to neurobehavioral toxicity and several human studies have found an association between prenatal PFAS exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods Utilizing a convenience sampling method, a post-pretest survey was used to evaluate knowledge and readiness to advocate for future prenatal PFAS exposure research following an educational presentation. Participants (n = 8) were members of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE). Results Knowledge of prenatal PFAS exposure improved following the educational presentation. Conclusions Following an educational presentation on the current research of prenatal PFAS exposures and autism, members of the environmental organization ANHE, reported an increase in knowledge and conveyed interest in advocating for expanding future research to include mental health effects of PFAS exposure.