Professor to Discuss PFAS Impact on Home Prices in Seminar

Christopher Timmins to lead talk on how media coverage of toxic chemicals affected housing market in Wilmington, North Carolina

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:31am

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Christopher Timmins, a professor of real estate and urban land economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will lead a seminar on how media coverage of PFAS contamination in Wilmington, North Carolina affected housing prices in the area. The free talk, based on Timmins' recent research paper, is scheduled for February 6th at Penn State University Park as part of a spring seminar series hosted by the Initiative for Energy and Environmental Economics and Policy.

Why it matters

This research highlights the significant impact that information and public perception can have on housing markets, even when the environmental risks are not directly perceptible. The findings provide insights into how media coverage of issues like PFAS contamination can shape real estate values and have broader economic implications for communities.

The details

Timmins' research paper, "Imperceptible Contaminants and Housing Markets: Evidence from Local News", examines how television and radio news coverage of PFAS contamination originating from the Chemours Fayetteville plant in North Carolina affected housing prices in the nearby city of Wilmington. The data showed that home prices in Wilmington were lower than comparable regions after the 2017 media reports about the pollution.

  • The free seminar is scheduled for noon on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Timmins' research paper was published recently and examined media coverage and housing prices starting in 2017.

The players

Christopher Timmins

A professor of real estate and urban land economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who specializes in urban and environmental economics.

Chemours Fayetteville plant

An industrial facility in North Carolina that was the source of PFAS contamination that affected the nearby city of Wilmington.

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What they’re saying

“These results highlight the critical role of information in shaping public perception and market valuations of otherwise-hidden environmental risks.”

— Christopher Timmins, Professor

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