Theses
Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Pratyusha Mandal
Second Advisor
Dr. Stephen Redenti
Third Advisor
Dr. Julio Gallengo-Delgado
Abstract
Human epidemiological research has shown the adverse health consequences of long-term accumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human tissue. Specifically, this review will examine the relationship between PFAS exposure, impaired immune system functioning, and an elevated risk of respiratory disease using both human and experimental data. Research on human populations indicates that children exposed to PFAS have lower levels of antibodies to vaccines; those children prenatally exposed to PFAS are more susceptible to upper respiratory infections; and that adult humans have a higher incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, experimental studies demonstrate that PFOS and PFOA can cause lung inflammation, compromise the integrity of the airway epithelial cell barrier, activate inflammasomes, and generate oxidative stress via several signaling pathways including Rap1b-Kras-Braf-MEK-ERK. Therefore, the combination of human and experimental evidence demonstrates that PFAS can contribute to the immune-suppression and lung damage that occurs throughout the lifespan of an individual. Therefore, this review emphasizes the need to combine regulatory approaches with public health and medical approaches to reduce the PFAS-related risks to respiratory health.
Recommended Citation
Hakim, Farzana, "PFOS and Lung Injury: A Review of Human and Experimental Evidence" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/le_etds/46
