Examining chemical exposures in solid waste workers
Official title: Assessing Metals and Flame Retardant Exposures on Solid Waste Workers
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10887287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how solid waste workers in Florida, many of whom are immigrants and from minority backgrounds, are exposed to harmful chemicals like heavy metals and flame retardants, by testing their blood and urine to see how these substances affect their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $267,942 |
| NIH project number | 1R21OH012456-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are solid waste workers, particularly those employed in transfer stations and landfills in Florida.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in the solid waste industry or who do not work in environments with exposure to heavy metals and flame retardants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the exposure of solid waste workers in Florida to hazardous chemicals, specifically heavy metals and flame retardants. By analyzing blood and urine samples from a cohort of 40 workers, the study aims to measure the levels of these substances and assess how inhalation exposure correlates with biological levels. The research focuses on a population that includes many immigrants and racial minorities, who are often employed in this high-risk industry. The findings could provide valuable insights into the health risks faced by these workers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety regulations and health protections for solid waste workers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown elevated exposure to hazardous substances in similar worker populations, indicating that this research builds on established findings but focuses on a novel geographic and occupational context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ceballos Ochoa, Diana Maria — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Ceballos Ochoa, Diana Maria
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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.