Sydney Shafer, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health and CHET GRA working with the Biostatistics and Research Design Core, is delving into chemical exposures in East Palestine, Ohio following the 2023 freight train derailment. Partnering with UK’s Dr. Erin Haynes and Duke University’s Dr. Heather Stapleton, Shafer’s research employs silicone wristbands to measure residents’ exposure to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).
These innovative wristbands passively capture environmental chemicals, providing noninvasive and cost-effective exposure data. Initial findings revealed no detectable levels of dioxins or furans—positive news for residents. However, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), potentially carcinogenic compounds, were present, likely due to truck traffic and Canadian wildfire impacts.
Shafer’s team identified exposure disparities linked to behaviors, such as heavy machinery use and smoking. Participants received personalized reports to empower them with knowledge about their environment. “This research is about giving communities actionable information,” Shafer emphasized. Supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, this work underscores the vital connection between public health research and community well-being.
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