November 2019 Spotlight
PROTECT Study links common chemicals to preterm births in Puerto Rico
PROTECT researchers have identified an association between exposure to chemicals found in many common consumer products and a shorter duration of pregnancy, thus increasing the risk of preterm birth. More specifically, the scientists found that higher urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites in pregnant women within the first 36 weeks of pregnancy translated into a 42% greater chance of giving birth preterm compared with other women with lower exposure rates. Preterm birth is a global concern primarily occurring in resource-poor regions[1], and Puerto Rico not only has one of the highest rates in the United States but is among the highest in the world at 11.5% in 2017, according to the March of Dimes.
Where are Superfund Sites in Puerto Rico?
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In the News
- Fall 2019 Technical Webinar: “Single cell bioinformatics and metabolomics: Methods and Tools for environmental health research” by Dr. Lana Garmire
- Trainee Spotlight – Shi Dong
- PROTECT Study evaluates how CVOC chemicals are distributed and travel through the Karst System of Northern Puerto Rico
- Five PROTECT Trainees Receive Individual Development Plan Awards
- PROTECT Researcher Dr. Carmen Vélez Vega Wins Helen Rodriguez-Trias Social Justice Award
- PROTECT Welcomes the 2019 Class of Student Researchers at Trainee Orientation
PROTECT Calendar
Upcoming Events
PEPH Annual Meeting – February 12-14, 2020 | Durham, NC
PROTECT Retreat – February 21-22, 2020 | San Juan, Puerto Rico
All Events Download the PROTECT Fall 2019 meetings & events calendar (updated 08/08/19)
