Reducing PCB exposure in communities near contaminated waterways and old schools
Community Engagement Core
This project works with neighborhoods, schools, and community groups near contaminated waterways and older school buildings to develop practical ways to lower airborne PCB exposure and protect children and families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you live or work near contaminated waterways or in older school buildings, this project partners with your community to identify sources of airborne polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and co-design acceptable, affordable cleanup and prevention options. The team collaborates with local groups such as the Portland Harbor Community Coalition and Vermont school officials to gather community concerns, share clear information, and test intervention approaches. Activities include community meetings, joint planning, and pilot actions that aim to reduce contamination without highly disruptive methods like large-scale demolition or dredging. The goal is to create tools and guidance your community can use to lower PCB levels and health risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Residents, parents, school staff, and community leaders living or working near contaminated waterways or in older school buildings—especially families with young children—are ideal participants.
Not a fit: People whose exposures are unrelated to nearby contaminated waterways or older buildings, or who do not live in the partner communities, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, communities could see lower airborne PCB levels, less disruptive remediation, and clearer guidance to protect children's health.
How similar studies have performed: Community-engaged environmental health projects have improved local responses in other settings, but practical, low-disruption approaches specifically for airborne PCBs in schools and waterways are less well-tested.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watkins, Shannon Lea — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Watkins, Shannon Lea
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.