Reducing PFAS exposures for Cape Cod communities
Community Engagement Core
Working with Cape Cod residents to lower exposure to PFAS in drinking water, local food, and the environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123486 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I live on Cape Cod and this project partners with local residents, health officials, water suppliers, and nonprofits to address PFAS contamination from sources like firefighting foam, septic systems, and contaminated surface waters. The team holds focus groups and outreach events, shares information about testing and treatment for private wells and public supplies, and explores ways to reduce PFAS in locally grown produce and seafood. They will develop and promote practical interventions, such as guidance on water filters, alternative gardening practices, and local fish advisories, based on community feedback. The core maintains two-way communication with towns and county agencies to respond to local concerns and strengthen long-term prevention efforts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Cape Cod residents, especially households using private wells, people who eat locally caught fish or home-grown produce, and community members concerned about PFAS.
Not a fit: People who do not live in or regularly visit PFAS-affected areas (for example, outside Cape Cod) are unlikely to be eligible or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could help people lower their PFAS exposure and reduce health risks linked to these chemicals.
How similar studies have performed: Other community engagement and water-treatment efforts have cut exposures in some regions, but PFAS-specific interventions are still emerging and being refined.
Where this research is happening
Kingston, United States
- University of Rhode Island — Kingston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaider, Laurel a. — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Schaider, Laurel a.
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.