Addressing Tetrachloroethylene Exposure in an Impacted Community

Martinsville, IN, is a community of 11,000 people that overlays four groundwater contamination sites, including a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated Superfund site. The total area of groundwater contamination is over 60 acres and lies within a single aquifer. The contaminates are chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE). These contaminants are thought to originate from several dry cleaning and metal degreasing operations. An activated carbon filtration system has been in operation since 2005 to remove PCE and chlorinated VOCs from the municipal water, which now meets EPA drinking water standards. However, a recent report from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry concludes that people's health may be harmed by breathing indoor air contaminated via vapor intrusion, the migration of volatile compounds from contaminated groundwater and soil into buildings above. The long-term goal of this research is to understand how PCE exposure in communities affects health and to empower community members' participation in environmental health decision-making. In this project researchers will work with the community of Martinsville, IN to:

1. Determine the extent and exposure levels to the contaminants by measuring the contamination in residents and at their homes. 2. Assess the community's concern and perceptions about the contamination and associated health risks. 3. Study the impact of the contaminants on visual and neurocognitive functions. 4. Compare cancer rates in Martinsville to county and state rates.

The above information will help researchers and community partners co-design a targeted educational campaign to reduce community members' exposure to the contaminants.