EPID-17. Environmental Injustice and Brain Tumor Incidence: A Sociological Analysis of PFAS Exposure in North Carolina

Abstract BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants disproportionately affecting low-income and industrially zoned communities. Emerging evidence suggests a link between PFAS exposure and central nervous system malignancies. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between PFAS exposure levels and glioma incidence in North Carolina, with a focus on marginalized communities. METHODS A retrospective ecological analysis was conducted using PFAS data from the EPA Analytical Database, cancer incidence from the NC Central Cancer Registry, and demographic data from the U.S. Census. Counties were stratified by PFAS concentration and socioeconomic indicators (median income, race/ethnicity, industrial proximity). RESULTS Counties with elevated PFAS levels showed a 1.6-fold increase in glioma incidence compared to counties with low PFAS exposure (p < 0.01). Marginalized communities, particularly those with high minority and low-income populations, had both higher PFAS levels and glioma rates. CONCLUSION This study highlights an environmental justice concern: communities most vulnerable to contamination face a greater risk of brain tumor development. Public health policies must address both environmental remediation and health equity.