Community program to reduce early-life exposure to pollution near hazardous sites
Community Engagement Core (CEC)
This project helps pregnant people and families with young children in Durham and Navassa learn about and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like PAHs and metals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126736 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be invited to receive clear, easy-to-understand information about chemical exposures found in your area and in any samples collected from your household. The team works closely with local community groups to share results one-on-one and through workshops, teach practical steps to lower exposure at home, and build community-led solutions. They will report back individual findings to pregnant people and families and use community feedback to shape what outreach and help are offered. The effort also connects communities with local and state agencies to support broader policy and environmental changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people and families with children aged 0–11 living in or near Durham or Navassa, North Carolina, especially those near hazardous sites or concerned about pollution.
Not a fit: People who live outside the targeted Durham/Navassa communities or who are not exposed to local hazardous sites are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help lower toxic exposures for pregnant people and young children and support safer community policies.
How similar studies have performed: Other community engagement and report-back programs have improved awareness and sometimes reduced exposures, though evidence of long-term health benefits is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shapiro, Elizabeth — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Shapiro, Elizabeth
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.