# Airborne PCBs: Sources, Exposures, Toxicities, Remediation

> **NIH NIH P42** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2020 · $10,800

## Abstract

SUMMARY: Iowa Superfund Research Program Overall
The Iowa Superfund Research Program (ISRP) is a center of research excellence focused on polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs were widely produced in the mid-20th century and used in thousands of products, from
common household items to construction materials, until the chemicals were banned 40 years ago. Today,
people are still exposed to PCBs indoors and in communities surrounding Superfund sites. Recent ISRP
research demonstrated that airborne PCBs present an especially urgent problem: Inhalation of airborne PCBs
may be the most significant route for human exposure to these important toxic chemicals. The ISRP’s long-
term goal is to develop recommendations to prevent and/or limit human exposure to airborne PCBs and to
improve the health and well-being of the population. The ISRP renewal will focus on PCBs in air, particularly in
buildings (especially schools) and those emitted from contaminated waters (including Superfund sites). We will
examine the health impacts of inhaled PCBs, particularly on adolescents, with a focus on neurodevelopmental
and metabolic effects. The ISRP will accomplish its long-term goal through the following integrated Specific
Aims: 1) Clarify the biochemical mechanisms of toxicity of lower-chlorinated PCBs in adolescence. Two
projects will address how PCBs and their metabolites are risk factors for altered neurodevelopment during
adolescence and the mechanisms by which these compounds interfere with lipid metabolism. 2) Define
susceptible populations, assess exposure and accumulation of these compounds (particularly in
schools), and evaluate the relative importance of airborne vs. dietary exposure. Three cohorts of
mothers and adolescents will help us evaluate individuals’ exposure to airborne PCBs, the specific
environments that contribute to inhalation exposure, and its importance compared to exposure through diet. 3)
Reduce emissions of airborne PCBs from building materials, products, and contaminated sediments.
We will investigate sources of airborne PCBs in indoor environments, determine the magnitude of emissions
from contaminated waters, and identify cost-effective strategies to remove or reduce emissions. This includes
development of a new approach using novel materials to sequester lower chlorinated PCBs in sediments and
break down PCBs through microbial processes to reduce PCB emissions from contaminated waters. 4) Train
and attract new scientists to the environmental health sciences. Our training program will enhance
research skills in data science, chemical analysis, community engagement, and research translation. 5)
Engage the scientific community and stakeholders in bi-directional communication on ISRP research
priorities, findings, and recommendations. We will communicate the ISRP’s research approaches and
findings to a wide range of researchers, agencies, and community stakeholders to maximize impact and
enable communities to make timely, informed decis...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10201181
- **Project number:** 3P42ES013661-15S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Keri C Hornbuckle
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $10,800
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2006-05-12 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10201181

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10201181, Airborne PCBs: Sources, Exposures, Toxicities, Remediation (3P42ES013661-15S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10201181. Licensed CC0.

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