OSU Superfund Research Program

05/01/2026

How do all the exposures we experience over a lifetime shape our health?

Researchers are working to answer that question through the concept of the “exposome”—the total combination of environmental exposures we encounter, from the air we breathe to the chemicals we come into contact with every day.

A new article from our partners at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) highlights how advances in analytical chemistry, computational modeling, and biological testing are helping scientists better understand these complex exposure patterns. By integrating large-scale chemical detection with tools that assess potential biological effects, researchers can begin to identify which exposures may be most relevant to human health.

This type of work reflects a growing shift in environmental health research—from studying individual chemicals to understanding mixtures and real-world exposures—and supports efforts to improve risk assessment and public health decision-making.

Read more from PNNL:

Scientists equipped research subjects with wristbands to measure many factors that contribute to their exposome.

04/27/2026

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀?

A new publication from Francesca Germano, a trainee in the Community Engagement Core, takes a closer look at this question through a systematic review of 32 studies on reporting research results back to participants. The findings show that approaches using clear language, visual formats, and multiple ways of sharing information can improve understanding, support informed decision-making, and encourage actions that reduce exposure.

In addition to reviewing the literature, the authors curated a set of practical recommendations for researchers, highlighting strategies for designing report-back materials that are clear, useful, and appropriate for different audiences. At the same time, the study underscores the importance of context. Without it, results can be confusing or cause unnecessary concern—emphasizing the need for thoughtful, well-designed communication strategies.

This work was recently published and selected as an Editor’s Choice in Environmental Health and contributes to ongoing efforts to develop consistent, evidence-based approaches for communicating environmental health data.

A blog post by the author:
https://communities.springernature.com/posts/no-standard-path-how-research-results-are-reported-back-and-why-it-matters

Read the publication:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12940-026-01281-z

Learn more about the work of our Community Engagement Core:
https://superfund.oregonstate.edu/support-cores/community-engagement-core

Reporting back of research results (RBRR) is becoming a recognized component of ethical community-engaged and human subjects research. Scholars emphasize t

04/01/2026

Dr. Diana Rohlman, Community Engagement Core Leader for the OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Center, authored a trade article in FireRescue1 examining potential PFAS exposure from firefighter turnout gear during training activities. The article summarizes findings from recent research indicating that used turnout gear worn during training is not a significant source of PFAS exposure, helping to clarify an area of concern for firefighters and training programs. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to better understand exposure pathways and support evidence-based decision-making for firefighter health and safety.

Amid growing concern about PFAS “forever chemicals,” a pilot study suggests turnout gear used during training may not be a major airborne exposure source

03/31/2026

Dr. Robyn Tanguay, Director of the OSU Superfund Research Center, has been named an Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Health Advances, a newly launched scientific journal from the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) Alliance. The journal is a diamond open-access publication, meaning it is free for both authors and readers, with a focus on advancing accessible and equitable dissemination of environmental health research.

As Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Tanguay will help guide the journal’s scientific direction and editorial standards, supporting the publication of research on environmental exposures and their impacts on human health. The journal aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary research and to increase accessibility of scientific findings to researchers, practitioners, and communities.

March 17, 2026 Dr. Rebecca Fry of the Gillings School is an editor in chief of the new Academic Research Community journal Environmental Health Advances. Submissions are open now.

02/21/2026

Dr. Kim Anderson and Isabella Nelson were recent guests on the Forestry Smart Policy podcast, produced by the Oregon Forest Industries Council, in the January 30 episode.

In the conversation, Isabella discussed her analysis of Oregon DEQ’s public reporting from the Pesticide Stewardship Partnership (PSP) and how analytical decisions, such as how to handle data below reporting limits, how to treat flagged quality-control samples, and how to interpret detection frequency and benchmark comparisons, can significantly influence conclusions about environmental risk and program effectiveness.

Dr. Anderson provided additional perspective on best practices in environmental monitoring and the importance of transparency, appropriate benchmark selection, and clear communication of uncertainty. Together, they highlight why rigorous, clearly defined analytical methods are essential for building trust and supporting sound policy decisions.

Listen to the episode here:
https://ofic.com/podcast/

The Forestry Smart Policy Podcast We are unapologetic advocates for the forest sector who believe forestry is part of the solution to Oregon’s biggest challenges. We’re subject matter experts who take pride in our ability to distill complex forestry topics into manageable information. We may cha...

01/30/2026

Who Owns the Data? A Workshop on Indigenous Data Sovereignty

In January 2026, the OSU / PNNL Superfund Research Center hosted this recorded workshop that brought together expertise from the Northwest Indian College Institutional Review Board (IRB) and researchers from the University of Washington, Oregon State University, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to explore Indigenous data sovereignty in community–academic research collaborations.

Topics include:
🔹 Best practices from Tribal IRBs
🔹 The role of Data and Material Sharing and Ownership agreements
🔹 Aligning academic research with Tribal IRBs
🔹 Designing culturally responsive Data and Material Sharing Agreements
🔹 Recent NIH guidance on Tribal data repositories

🎥 Watch the full recording:

An overview of Tribal Institutional Review Boards and Data Sharing Agreements.Panelists include co-leads of the OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Center's Communit...

01/26/2026

From Cells to Communities: A Translational Approach to Toxicology

At the OSU Superfund Research Center, we study chemicals from every angle—starting at the cellular level and moving all the way to community health.

Our researchers work across systems to understand how contaminants affect living organisms and the environments we rely on. That means developing advanced in vitro models to study chemical behavior, using zebrafish to explore developmental effects, and analyzing environmental samples to track exposure in real-world communities.

This translational research helps bridge the gap between lab science and public health solutions—supporting decision-makers, regulatory agencies, and the people most affected by pollution.

🔗 Learn more about our research:

Identification, measurement, and toxicity of PAHsThe mission of the Oregon State University Superfund Research Center is to identify Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment, to characterize their toxicity, and to determine what levels of those chemicals in the environment are safe...

12/31/2025

Looking back on 2025, we’re grateful for another year of science, service, and strong partnerships. From lab work to community engagement, everything we do is made possible by the dedication of our team and the support of those we work alongside.

Thank you to our community—and here’s to a safe, healthy, and productive 2026!

12/24/2025

🌊 How do we measure chemical pollution in the environment?
Our researchers use passive sampling devices—small, silicone-based tools that absorb contaminants from air, water, or soil over time. These tools help us monitor real-world chemical exposures in the Portland Harbor Superfund Site, precisely measure air quality in West Eugene neighborhoods, and understand wildfire smoke exposure across demographics, from firefighters to pregnant people.

By collecting data on complex chemical mixtures in these settings, passive samplers support research that helps protect human and environmental health.

Learn more about how passive sampling works on our website

Community Resources All About PAHs Infographics Videos Mercury, the Community, and Me Teacher Resources: Mercury, the Community, and Me Unsolved Mysteries of Human Health K - 12 Educational Materials Research Resources Zebrafish Biomedical Research Passive Sampling Devices Disaster IRB Analytics Por...

11/30/2025

🗣️ Meet Veronica Irvin: Community-Engaged Environmental Health Researcher
Veronica Irvin, an endowed professor in OSU’s College of Health and a member of OSU Environmental Health Sciences Center, was recently featured in OSU Today’s “10 Questions With…” interview series. She shares how her research supports safe drinking water for well users, reduces environmental exposures in underserved communities, and helps turn science into action.

Read the full interview:
🔗

10 Questions With… Veronica Irvin, Celia Strickland Austin and G. Kenneth Austin II endowed professor in public health. Irvin uses a community-engaged approach to develop, implement and evaluate behavior change programs across a list of health priorities, including breast cancer and environmental ...

11/14/2025

Firefighters face complex chemical exposures on the job and in the communities they serve. A new article in Chemical & Engineering News features OSU research using silicone wristband samplers to help measure those exposures in real-world conditions.

This work, led by Dr. Kim Anderson and collaborators, supports efforts to better understand the mixtures firefighters encounter and to improve long-term health protection strategies.

Read the article:

As wildfires burn closer to urban areas, scientists are trying to better catalog the vast array of pollutants that firefighters may be exposed to