Does PFAS exposure have any effect on COVID-19 infections?  That was a topic brought up during a Listening Session held Wednesday by the Wisconsin DNR on the PFAS contamination issue affecting the Marinette-Town of Peshtigo Area.

Amanda Koch, a Health Educator with the Wisconsin Division of Health Services, says there are both human and animal studies that indicate exposure to high levels of PFAS may impact the immune system, and in some cases could lower the body’s antibody response to vaccines, making them less effective, and also lower the body’s resistance to infections.

Although there has been little research so far, Koch says the Federal CDC is interested in studying the possible relationship of PFAS and COVID-19 infections.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is also looking for research proposals to look into a possible link between PFAS and COVID-19.