Southern Environmental Health Study, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Dr. Amber Adams, Clinical Research Coordinator II for the Southern Environmental Health Study (SEHS) with Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Cancer & Chronic Disease Epidemiology, who discusses the research project focused on examining environmental exposures and their impact on cancer and chronic disease risk in people aged 30-70 across 17 southern states and the District of Columbia. She highlights the disproportionately high cancer and chronic disease rates, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, respiratory illness, and cardiovascular disease, in the U.S. South compared to other regions.

Dr. Adams explains that the health study began in 2021 with a 6-year enrollment period ending in 2027. The study targets participants aged 30-70 in southern states, requiring them to complete a 30-60 minute health questionnaire covering lifestyle, medical history, and environmental exposures. Participants receive a silicone wristband to wear for seven days to measure up to 1,400 chemical exposures, with optional compensation for additional biospecimen donations including saliva, blood, and urine samples. The study aims to investigate how environmental factors like water contamination, air pollution, forever chemicals, and microplastics contribute to health outcomes, particularly addressing the high incidence and death rates of cancer and chronic diseases in the southern region.

Dr. Adams explains the importance and urgency of their study examining chemical exposure and its effects on cancer and chronic diseases, highlighting a gap in existing research. The study aims to investigate how chemicals interact with each other and how individuals may respond differently to the same exposures. Dr. Adams shares how the work has increased her awareness of environmental health impacts, including the importance of considering what she consumes and breathes daily. She mentions specific actions she's taking, such as composting and recycling, to address these concerns for both her health and the environment.

Dr. Adams invites people aged 30-70 living in southern states to participate. She shared contact details including the website www.sehsstudy.org and a toll-free hotline (855-710-9489), and offered her personal email for further inquiries.

Visit https://www.sehstudy.org to learn more about the Southern Environmental Health Study.