Semi-volatile PCBs: Sources, Exposures, Toxicities
The Research Translation Core of the Iowa Superfund Basic Research Program
(isbrp) is well integrated with the entire program, both thematically and
organizationally. Much remains unknown about the volatilization, transport
and exposure of lower-halogenated PCBs, especially those associated with
contaminated waters, dredging of waterways, and other atmospheric
sources, and until recently, governmental bodies have had no impetus for
oversight or regulation related to these environmental contaminants.
The major activities of this Core, therefore, are designed to optimize opportunities
for translating the findings of the isbrp research projects into meaningful
outcomes that will benefit the public at large. These outcomes will be translated
in a variety of ways to a wide and diverse constituency.
Outcomes from the research conducted under isbrp projects will be translated
into state-of-the art reports about the risks of PCBs in the environment,
which will be published in scientific and/or medical journals for access
by the academic research community. The information will also be shared
with government agencies so that in the future, policymakers will be better
equipped to implement environmental improvement measures. An additional
outcome is the germination of new communication between scientists and the
lay public on concerns around the presence, effects, and remediation of
PCBs in the environment.
Investigators will also engage with entities within the public sector, such
as the Environmental Protection Agency and representatives of industry with
interests in the management of PCB generation and remediation. Finally,
several projects and cores, chiefly #4, #6 and the three Research Support
Cores, have significant potential for technology innovation and transfer,
with the possible development of new inventions, such as measurement models,
sampling techniques, exposure generation and control technologies, or the
creation of novel PCB mixtures and metabolites.
Peter S. Thorne, PhD, Core Leader
Dr. Thorne is responsible for supervising all aspects of research
translation, including monitoring the development of new innovations that
arise as a result of isbrp research, facilitating the exchange of information
and resources to isbrp stakeholders, working with the University of Iowa
Research Foundation to ensure that the legal and creative interests of the
isbrp are secured, and identifying potential partners in industry and government.
David Osterberg, MS, Core Co-leader
Mr. Osterberg is directly involved in the planning of all Core activities
and will take specific responsibility for liaison work with governmental
partners, including local, state, regional and national representatives,
Region VII, EPA and others.