What is this study about?

Researchers from Purdue University, Indiana University, and the University of Illinois Chicago are partnering with the community of Martinsville to address concerns about the contamination of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and other toxic chemicals in indoor air and water and the number of cancer cases in Martinsville. We hope the results of this study provide valuable information on the amount of PCE exposure in Martinsville, potentially related health effects, and provide a plan to help address these risks.

This study will:

  • Test home air and water
  • Test exhaled breath
  • Test cognition and vision
  • Conduct surveys, focus groups, and interviews
  • Investigate cancer rates

If you choose to participate, you may be asked to:

  • Take short surveys
  • Complete vision and cognition tests
  • Have your home indoor air and water tested
  • Provide exhaled breath samples

Incentive/Compensation

  • Participants will receive up to $95 for their time and a report of their individual test results. 
  • Group test results will be reported to the community and help the community to identify courses of action.

Eligibility 

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Between 18 Years – 64 Years old
  • Live inside Martinsville’s city limits
  • Certain health conditions may cause ineligibility

Additional Information

  • Study title:  Addressing Tetrachloroethylene Exposure in an Impacted Community: Residents’ Concerns, Neurotoxic Effects, and Exposure Reduction (Martinsville Environmental Community Action Project (MeCAP)
  • Visit our website for more information: https://www.mecap.us/

The Martinsville Environmental Community Action Project (MeCAP) has really taken off and is experiencing great feedback and participation from the community. We need your help in spreading the word of the importance of this project. We want to see 90 more participants between August and October 2024 who live within Martinsville city limits and are 18-64 years old. During their testing session, participants will complete iPad assessments that measure processing speed & memory and do activities that measure color vision acuity. Participants will receive $40 cash for their time. If you know anyone interested in signing up, please pass along my contact information to them. MeCAP appreciates your support! 

Bethaney Latham (317) 408-0455 https://www.mecap.us