When we first began our research, 300 addresses were randomly chosen and received a postcard that asked one adult from each home to participate in our health study. If a home was selected and they agreed to participate, we asked them to complete the following items:

​

1. Survey - You will answer questions about your health conditions, factors related to exposure, and your concerns about the contamination and its health effects. (15 minutes)

2. Vision and Cognition Tests - You will complete tests that will measure attention, reading, reaction time, processing speed, memory, and vision. (60 minutes)

3. Exhaled Breath Test - You will provide an exhaled breath sample by blowing (exhaling) into a clear plastic sampling bag. (15 minutes)

4. Home Air Test - Researchers will collect an air sample from your home using a mobile lab in a van.

5. Water Tests - Researchers will collect a drinking water sample from your home.

​

Engaging with the community and developing partnerships with groups and organizations in Martinsville is essential to the success of the study.

Tetrachloroethylene is a nonflammable colorless liquid. Other names for tetrachloroethylene include perchloroethylene, PCE, perc, tetrachloroethene, and perchlor. Tetrachloroethylene is used as a dry cleaning agent and metal degreasing solvent. It is also used as a starting material (building block) for making other chemicals and is used in some consumer products.

BOTTOM LINE:  It's a toxic chemical!

When chemicals like tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contaminate soil or groundwater, they can volatilize (or evaporate) and move through the soil to enter buildings through cracks in the foundation. This is a process known as vapor intrusion, and is similar to how radon enters homes. Many of these chemicals like PCE are odorless (or very little odor) and colorless. The only way to know if these chemicals are in the building is to sample the air inside and underneath the structure. If your home tests positive for vapor intrusion, the best solution is to install a vapor mitigation system. This systems act as a vacuum by collecting the vapors underneath the home before they can enter the living area. It then pumps the vapors outside where they dissipate into harmless concentrations.

BOTTOM LINE:  It's what you are breathing!

In December of 2019 and January of 2020, researchers from Purdue University conducted a study to look for chlorinated volatile organic compounds like PCE in water, air, and exhaled breath in Martinsville. Researchers collected samples from 10 homes and 39 residents.

​

The samples were analyzed and PCE was detected in all the water and exhaled breath samples.