About the Program | Iowa Superfund Research Program

Goals

Develop tools for detecting sources of, and estimate exposures to, semi-volatile airborne PCBs
Provide scientific evidence for use in economic, health-based, decision making concerning human exposure to PCBs
Create recommendations to prevent and limit exposure to semi-volatile airborne PCBs
Propose interventions that would mitigate the impacts of Superfund chemicals and protect Public Health

Students Visit Isrp Lab

Seventh graders from Columbus Community School visited the isrp on a one-day field trip. The forty-six students rotated in groups through five research stations where they observed and had some hands-on experience in PCB analysis and retention, microscopy, animal exposure by aerosol inhalation, and the necropsy of a mouse.

Community Reporting of Air PCBs

The isrp, the Boston University Superfund Program, and 3 community groups collaborated to measure airborne PCBs in the New Bedford Harbor area. 2 workshops were held so people hosting the air samplers could understand the data collected. This model can be used for other communities impacted by environmental pollutants.

New PCB Study in Schools

Isrp researchers released a study showing the source of PCBs in older schools is likely outdated building materials, such as window caulking and light ballasts. Children’s exposure rates are roughly the same in rural and urban areas. Exposure to PCBs by inhalation may be higher than exposure through diet.

About the Program

Supported with funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ Superfund Research Program, the Iowa Superfund Research Program is comprised of 17 scientists and engineers from 5 colleges and 2 universities.

Working with our partners, we bring a broad range of expertise to bear on public health problems associated with Superfund chemicals.

Our research projects are supported by six cores—Administration, Synthesis, Analytical, Training, Research Translation, and Community Engagement.

The program started in 2006 and is directed by Dr. Larry Robertson.