Purdue Community Environmental Health Lab
The Purdue Community Environmental Health (PCEH) lab seeks to investigate community exposure to environmental contaminants in central Indiana and beyond. This platform is intended to inform the public about the contamination, provide updates on project activities, and promote interactions between community members and the research team.
What is happening in Central Indiana?
Background
In 2002, the Martinsville Water Utility discovered environmental contaminants in the drinking water supply of Martinsville, IN residents. These contaminants were likely spilled by a former dry cleaning facility that was operating during the 1980s.
Chemicals Involved
The chemicals involved include tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (PCE), and other potentially harmful compounds.
Health Risks
Exposure to substantial amounts of these chemicals is reportedly associated with liver and kidney abnormalities, immunological impairments, reproductive effects, and cancer.
Our Research
The PCEH team hopes to assess various environmental contaminants so that we can better understand how they impact human health and wellbeing. Furthermore, we hope to engage with the Martinsville, IN area and beyond to spread awareness about these contaminants and push for action.