After an accidental toxic air leak from a nearby oil refinery, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) was motivated to learn more about their exposure to air toxins. Drawing on a long-standing relationship with the Oregon State Superfund Research Program, SITC inquired about using silicone wristbands developed at OSU to evaluate their exposure levels. “After […]
The Rohingya are an ethnic population primarily composed of Muslims. Prior to 2017, they largely resided in the Buddhist-majority nation of Myanmar within a small area called the Rakhine State. Last year, the Myanmar military began a brutal campaign of violence toward the Rohingya in response to an incident of Rohingya-lead violence. The Rohingya population has since fled the violence in Myanmar by crossing the border into Bangladesh.
Flame retardants are found throughout the built environment in furniture, mattresses, carpeting, electronics, vehicles and more. The chemicals are added to the products and are not bound in the material, which causes them to be released into indoor environments.
For the first time, researchers found that lightweight, silicone wristbands can be used as personal monitors to detect flame retardant exposure in young children.
The researchers are investigating the possibility that arsenic may compromise the immune system in utero, leading to a lifetime of increased risk for infectious disease. They are also studying whether arsenic exposure may also make vaccinations less effective.
Two college researchers are packing their bags in preparation for a trip to Bangladesh, where they will begin a new study to determine how exposure to arsenic affects the development and immune function in children.