Recommended Citation
Miller CJ, Runge-Morris M, Cassidy-Bushrow AE, Straughen JK, Dittrich TM, Baker TR, Petriello MC, Mor G, Ruden DM, O'Leary BF, Teimoori S, Tummala CM, Heldman S, Agarwal M, Roth K, Yang Z, and Baker BB. A Review of Volatile Organic Compound Contamination in Post-Industrial Urban Centers: Reproductive Health Implications Using a Detroit Lens. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17(23).
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-25-2020
Publication Title
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of aromatic or chlorinated organic chemicals commonly found in manufactured products that have high vapor pressure, and thus vaporize readily at room temperature. While airshed VOCs are well studied and have provided insights into public health issues, we suggest that belowground VOCs and the related vapor intrusion process could be equally or even more relevant to public health. The persistence, movement, remediation, and human health implications of subsurface VOCs in urban landscapes remain relatively understudied despite evidence of widespread contamination. This review explores the state of the science of subsurface movement and remediation of VOCs through groundwater and soils, the linkages between these poorly understood contaminant exposure pathways and health outcomes based on research in various animal models, and describes the role of these contaminants in human health, focusing on birth outcomes, notably low birth weight and preterm birth. Finally, this review provides recommendations for future research to address knowledge gaps that are essential for not only tackling health disparities and environmental injustice in post-industrial cities, but also protecting and preserving critical freshwater resources.
Medical Subject Headings
Animals; Cities; Environmental Exposure; Female; Groundwater; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Michigan; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Reproductive Health; Soil Pollutants; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed ID
33255777
Volume
17
Issue
23
