OVERVIEW:
Our team, in partnership with the local stakeholders, support from our community partners, Protectores de Cuencas (a local NGO), has been studying marine pollution in Guánica Bay, located in Southern West part of PR, where we have found the second highest concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) ever recorded worldwide.[1] PCBs are a class of persistent organic chemicals (POPs). PCBs are found at/around 513 (about one-third) of all Superfund Sites. Chronic exposure to PCBs are associated with the elevated risks of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and some cancers.[2]
Our research focuses on a) the impact of Hurricane Maria on PCB redistribution in and around Guánica Bay and b) changes in community exposure to PCBs through inhalation and consumption of contaminated seafood and fish. Our central hypothesis is that community exposure to PCBs increased after Hurricane Maria due to elevated airborne concentration of PCBs and increase in community reliance on the locally harvested seafood and fish. Environmental PCBs (including air, fish and seafood and sediment) samples are being collected and examined, and comprehensive community survey is already administered to assess post-hurricane impact on community infrastructure and community reliance on the bay for seafood, fish and recreational. Our preliminary results suggest elevated PCB levels in both sediment and fish. These results are being used to develop material for engaging school children and community members in PCB exposure management.
References
1. USEPA Public Health Implications of Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). 2012.
2. Kumar, N., et al., Environmental PCBs in Guanica Bay, Puerto Rico: implications for community health. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2016. 23(3): p. 2003-2013.
|
|---|
|
|
|
|