Graham Peaslee
Experimental Nuclear Physics
Professor
- Experimental nuclear physics
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
- Environmental lead
Peaslee’s Latest News
Peaslee in the News
WSBT TV
South Bend Fire Department makes updates to procedures to reduce Cancer risks
Video
January 21, 2023
The smoke firefighters are up against today is more toxic than ever, according to Graham Peaslee, a Professor of Physics at the University of Notre Dame.
The New York Times
What to Know About PFAS in Period Underwear
January 20, 2023
The presence of PFAS in Thinx products was first revealed in January 2020, when Sierra magazine published an investigation, in partnership with a researcher at the University of Notre Dame, that found these chemicals in the crotch area of Thinx underwear.
NBC News
Thinx to pay up to $5M to settle claims its period underwear contained potentially harmful chemicals
January 20, 2023
The presence of PFAS appears to have been first reported in January 2020 in the Sierra Club’s magazine, “Sierra,” with the headline, “My Menstrual Underwear Has Toxic Chemicals in It.” Reporter Jessian Choy sent her Thinx to a University of Notre Dame nuclear scientist, who found high levels of PFAS, “especially on the inside layers of the crotch.”
NPR
Thinx settled a lawsuit over chemicals in its period underwear. Here's what to know
January 19, 2023
In 2020, reporter Jessian Choy sent several pairs of Thinx underwear to a University of Notre Dame laboratory, which found high levels of fluorine and concluded that the underwear contained PFAS.
Daily Mail
Thinx period underwear settles $4 million class action lawsuit after 'forever chemicals' that can cause fertility issues were found in high quantities near the CROTCH of its supposed 'organic and non-toxic' absorbent undergarments
January 18, 2023
Jessian Choy wrote in the Sierra magazine at the time that she sent the pairs to Dr. Graham Peaslee, a nuclear scientist at the University of Notre Dame.
The Cut
What to Know About the Thinx Class-Action Settlement
January 17, 2023
Back in 2020, a journalist for Sierra magazine investigated the potential risks of period underwear, sending two brands, including Thinx, to an independent scientist at the University of Notre Dame.
Popular Science
Why you should throw away your Teflon pan the second it cracks
November 14, 2022
“PFAS are a class of chemicals that are characterized by extremely long environmental persistence,” says Graham Peaslee, professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame who was not involved in the study.
PBS NewsHour
Why getting PFAS out of our products is so hard — and why it matters
September 28, 2022
“This stuff is toxic at incredibly low levels and it’s persistent — it stays there for hundreds of years in the groundwater, thousands of years,” said Graham Peaslee, a Notre Dame professor and researcher who’s tested many products for PFAS in his lab.
The Hill
Equilibrium/Sustainability — Bloomberg goes big to stop petrochemical pollution
September 21, 2022
Vulnerable and unaware: “What was surprising about this group of samples was the high detection frequency of PFAS in the garments required for children to wear,” study co-author Graham Peaslee, of the University of Notre Dame, said in a statement.
The Guardian
‘What are they thinking?’: toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in school uniforms
September 21, 2022
“It’s one of those things where you hang your head and say ‘What are they thinking?’” said co-author and University of Notre Dame researcher Graham Peaslee.
The Hill
Scientists find high levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in school uniforms
September 21, 2022
“What was surprising about this group of samples was the high detection frequency of PFAS in the garments required for children to wear,” study co-author Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics at Notre Dame, said in a statement.
U.S. News & World Report
High Levels of PFAS 'Forever' Chemicals in Kids' School Uniforms
September 21, 2022
“What was surprising about this group of samples was the high detection frequency of PFAS in the garments required for children to wear,” said study co-author Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame.
phys.org
Study finds high levels of PFAS in school uniforms
September 21, 2022
In a study published in Environmental Science and Technology, scientists at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, the University of Toronto and the Green Science Policy Institute analyzed a variety of children's textiles.
KSN
Kansas firefighter among early whistleblowers of PFAS in protective gear
Video
August 25, 2022
“1.2 million firefighters are wearing this,” Dr. Graham Peaslee, a Notre Dame professor who conducted the study, said.
Indiana Environmental Reporter
Indiana Research Universities Study PFAS Problem as Feds Move to Limit Contamination
August 24, 2022
University of Notre Dame researchers, like professor of chemistry and biochemistry Graham Peaslee, have found PFAS chemicals in fast food packaging, firefighter turnout gear and cosmetics.
The Guardian
Revealed: US water likely contains more ‘forever chemicals’ than EPA tests show
July 06, 2022
“Industry has had a 70-year head start and we’re never going to catch up,” said Graham Peaslee, a University of Notre Dame researcher.
Scientific American
Pesticides Are Spreading Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals,’ Scientists Warn
June 15, 2022
“We’ve seen fluoro groups in insecticides, but I would not call those PFAS,” says Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame.
CNN
Dangerous chemicals found in food wrappers at major fast-food restaurants and grocery chains, report says
March 25, 2022
“I would not urge consumers to take these brand names and only go to this one or that one, as this investigation only looked at just over 100 products,” said Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
The Guardian
Revealed: the dangerous chemicals in your food wrappers
March 24, 2022
That’s because all PFAS contain organic fluorine, and there are few other sources of the compound, says Graham Peaslee, PhD, a professor of physics, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, who has studied PFAS in food packaging.
Consumer Reports
Dangerous PFAS Chemicals Are in Your Food Packaging
March 24, 2022
That’s because all PFAS contain organic fluorine, and there are few other sources of the compound, says Graham Peaslee, PhD, a professor of physics, chemistry, and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, who has studied PFAS in food packaging.
The Times of Northwest Indiana
Researchers join together to address contamination in North Lake County
February 23, 2022
Residents filled "milk jugs, their favorite aquarium tank and two-liter pop bottles" with tap water from their homes, explained Graham Peaslee, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame.
CBS News
Firefighters say chemicals in gear are toxic
Video
February 17, 2022
Interview with Graham Peaslee, physics.
Verywell Health
Study Finds Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' in Most Stain- and Water-Resistant Textiles
February 03, 2022
“I'm afraid there are almost no consumer products that are entirely free of PFAS at this point,” Graham Peaslee, PhD, professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, who is not affiliated with the report, told Verywell.
Environmental Health News
Green beauty product testing finds more than 60% have PFAS indicators
December 03, 2021
Graham Peaslee, senior author of the Notre Dame study and professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, noted in a press release that regular lipstick wearers could ingest a few pounds of lipstick in their lifetime.
WSB-TV
WARNING: Toxic chemicals found in makeup -- even high-end brands, investigation finds
Video
November 02, 2021
“We think that there’s intentional use of this that’s not being declared. We think that the consumer has the right to know what they’re buying,” said Graham Peaslee, Ph.D. a physics professor at the University of Notre Dame.
The Washington Post
Biden administration moves to curtail toxic ‘forever chemicals’
October 18, 2021
“These results are particularly concerning when you consider the risk of exposure to the consumer combined with the size and scale of a multibillion-dollar industry that provides these products to millions of consumers daily,” Graham Peaslee, a physics professor and one of the study’s lead authors, said in a statement.
InStyle
Scientists Found That 82% of Waterproof Mascaras Have Toxic Chemicals in Them — Here's What to Shop Instead
October 08, 2021
As a study published by researchers at the University of Notre Dame in mid-June found, the problem extends far beyond one palette.
Men's Health
The Toxic Job of Being a Hero
September 21, 2021
“PFAS is insidious; it’s one of the most persistent chemicals ever made,” says Graham Peaslee, Ph.D., a professor at Notre Dame and one of the world’s leading PFAS researchers.
WVPE
Mask Research / Toxic Cosmetics / Great Resignation
Audio
August 27, 2021
Guest: Graham Peaslee, Professor of Experimental Nuclear Physics, University of Notre Dame.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OPINION: Teflon might be in your makeup. Here’s what you should know
August 18, 2021
A recent study from researchers at the University of Notre Dame sent me running back for yet another makeup check.
The Washington Post
Is that long-lasting lipstick toxic? Study raises concerns about PFAS in cosmetics.
August 11, 2021
The study was led by scientists at the University of Notre Dame and published in the Journal of Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
The Guardian
PFAS: fears over lax US standards prompt bill on beauty products’ safety
August 06, 2021
Graham Peaslee, a physics professor at the University of Notre Dame, led the study that inspired legislators to act again on this issue.
Woman's World
This Popular Type of Makeup Has Been Linked to Toxic Chemicals That Increase Cancer Risk
July 03, 2021
“Lipstick wearers may inadvertently eat several pounds of lipstick in their lifetimes,” Graham Peaslee, senior study author and professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame said in a press release.
Business Insider
Lawmakers introduced 2 new bills after a study found popular beauty products may contain cancer-linked 'forever chemicals'
June 24, 2021
The bills follow a study conducted by The University of Notre Dame that tested US makeup products from Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Smithsonian
Scientists Find Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in More Than 100 Popular Make-Up Products
June 22, 2021
University of Notre Dame researchers tested 231 frequently-used makeup products, including liquid foundation, concealer, blush, lipsticks, and mascara, reports Tom Perkins for the Guardian.
Everyday Health
Potentially Toxic Chemicals Called PFAS Are Common in Cosmetics, Study Finds
June 22, 2021
“These results are particularly concerning when you consider the risk of exposure to the consumer combined with the size and scale of a multibillion-dollar industry that provides these products to millions of consumers daily,” says senior study author Graham Peaslee, PhD, a professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
Popular Science
‘Forever chemicals’ could be lurking in your lipstick
June 19, 2021
“There’s no way for an average consumer to read a label and understand what’s in the product they just purchased,” Graham Peaslee, senior author of the study and professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame told the Washington Post.
WVPE
Notre Dame Study Finds High Levels Of Toxic PFAS Chemicals In Cosmetics
June 18, 2021
A University of Notre Dame study has found many cosmetics sold in the United States may contain high levels of PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals.
phys.org
Use of PFAS in cosmetics 'widespread,' new study finds
June 16, 2021
Many cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada likely contain high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a potentially toxic class of chemicals linked to a number of serious health conditions, according to new research from the University of Notre Dame.
CBC
How to make sense of the new findings on 'forever chemicals' in makeup
June 16, 2021
In the new study, Heather Whitehead, a graduate student in chemistry at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, and her collaborators looked at 231 cosmetic products purchased in Canada and the U.S., including 17 Canadian products, most of which did not have PFAS listed on the label.
Technology Networks
Widespread Use of Potentially Harmful PFAS Found in Cosmetics
June 16, 2021
Many cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada likely contain high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a potentially toxic class of chemicals linked to a number of serious health conditions, according to new research from the University of Notre Dame.
Science News
Many cosmetics contain hidden, potentially dangerous ‘forever chemicals’
June 16, 2021
“There is no known good PFAS,” says chemist and physicist Graham Peaslee of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
Chemical & Engineering News
PFAS undisclosed in most cosmetics sold in the US and Canada
June 16, 2021
The work, led by physics professor Graham Peaslee of the University of Notre Dame, involved testing more than 200 cosmetics purchased in the two countries.
Shape
A New Study Found High Levels of Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' In 120 Cosmetic Products
June 16, 2021
After testing 231 cosmetics - including foundations, mascaras, concealers, and lip, eye, and eyebrow products - from stores such as Ulta Beauty, Sephora, and Target, the University of Notre Dame researchers found that 52 percent contained high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
E&E News
Study shows PFAS widespread in cosmetics
June 15, 2021
Graham Peaslee, senior author of the study and a professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, said in a statement that chemicals in makeup are largely unregulated in the United States and Canada, which creates challenges around conveying safety information to the public.
The Washington Post
Senate bill would ban toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in makeup, which new study found are often unlabeled
June 15, 2021
“We were shocked to see how much is in some of these products,” said Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame and the principal investigator on the study, which was published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters.
IFLS
People May Be Absorbing "Forever Chemicals" Not Included In Makeup Ingredients Lists
June 15, 2021
“These are products that are applied around the eyes and mouth with the potential for absorption through the skin or at the tear duct, as well as possible inhalation or ingestion,” study author Graham Peaslee, professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, said in a statement.
CNN
Makeup may contain potentially toxic chemicals called PFAS, study finds
June 15, 2021
"We found fluorine as a surrogate for PFAS was in all sorts of cosmetics. We didn't expect almost every cosmetic to light up like it did," said study author Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame.
Newsweek
More Than Half of Cosmetics Used in U.S. and Canada Contain Cancerous Chemicals, Study Shows
June 15, 2021
More than half of cosmetics products sold and used in the U.S. and Canada contain cancerous chemicals, according to a new study released by the University of Notre Dame.
Associated Press
Study: Half of US cosmetics contain toxic chemicals
June 15, 2021
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame tested more than 230 commonly used cosmetics and found that 56% of foundations and eye products, 48% of lip products and 47% of mascaras contained fluorine — an indicator of PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” that are used in nonstick frying pans, rugs and countless other consumer products.
UPI
Study: Many cosmetics contain unlisted, toxic 'forever chemicals'
June 15, 2021
"Lipstick wearers may inadvertently eat several pounds of lipstick in their lifetimes," study co-author Graham Peaslee said in a press release.
Fox News
Makeup products may contain potentially toxic PFAS chemicals, study warns
June 15, 2021
"Lipstick wearers may inadvertently eat several pounds of lipstick in their lifetimes," Graham Peaslee, study senior author and professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, said in a news release.
Northwest Indiana Times
Find out if your water is contaminated with lead at free testing event June 5
June 03, 2021
Professor Graham Peaslee, of the University of Notre Dame, and his graduate students developed a method for rapidly testing water for lead, Peller said.
WHDH
Hank Investigates: PFAS in Firefighters Gear
June 03, 2021
“When we saw the results, I thought to myself, ‘Oh, my gosh, she’s correct.’ It was scary,” Dr. Graham Peaslee said.
mlive
Michigan testing blood of firefighters to analyze PFAS exposure
May 13, 2021
A 2020 study led by University of Notre Dame researcher Graham Peaslee found that large amounts of PFAS in firefighter gear is leaching into inner layers of their coats.
Wired
Period Underwear Changed My Life—and I'm Never Going Back
February 28, 2021
Sierra Club writer Jessian Choy sent in several pairs of her Thinx underwear and Lunapads (now called Aisle) to Graham Peaslee, a physics and chemistry researcher at the University of Notre Dame.
The Guardian
I tested my tap water, household products and cat for toxic 'forever chemicals'
February 23, 2021
The levels for several compounds are what Graham Peaslee, a University of Notre Dame PFAS researcher, called “unusually high” and at quantities at which toxicologists say they start seeing links to health problems.
E&E News
Firefighters' Catch-22: Protective gear full of carcinogens
February 16, 2021
"Once you have this test, all moisture barriers, and therefore all turnout gear, must contain PFAS," said Graham Peaslee, a researcher and professor of experimental nuclear physics at the University of Notre Dame.
The Boston Globe
Firefighters may be wearing gear that contains toxic chemicals, researchers find
February 06, 2021
Graham F. Peaslee, a physics and biochemistry professor at the University of Notre Dame and coauthor of the study, said the research appeared to corroborate his previous studies.
The New York Times
Firefighters Battle an Unseen Hazard: Their Gear Could Be Toxic
January 26, 2021
And while some forms of PFAS are being phased out, the replacements have not been proven to be safer, said Graham F. Peaslee, a professor in experimental nuclear physics, chemistry and biochemistry at Notre Dame who led the study.
Bloomberg
Firefighters Want Halt on Money From Makers of PFAS-Laden Gear
January 19, 2021
She’s spent years advocating against the dangers of PFAS in gear, and helped bring about a study by Notre Dame physicist Graham Peaslee that exposed high levels of PFAS in turnout gear.
Law & Crime
‘The Greatest Deception Ever’: Firefighters and Scientists Sound the Alarm About Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Protective Gear
January 14, 2021
“There’s 1.2 million firefighters out there and nobody is telling them about this stuff,” University of Notre Dame professor Graham Peaslee said in an interview this week on the Law&Crime Network’s Brian Ross Investigates.
The New York Times
The Best Period Underwear
December 03, 2020
We also spoke with Rolf Halden, director of the Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University, and with University of Notre Dame nuclear physicist Graham Peaslee (whose lab tested period underwear sent in by a columnist for the Sierra Club magazine) about chemicals found in treated garments, including some period underwear.