In 2020, 73 million Americans lived within 3 miles of a site designated for remediation by the federal government.
Chronic environmental contamination (CEC) is the experience of living in an area where hazardous substances are known or perceived to be present in air, water, or soil at elevated levels for a prolonged and unknown period of time. Although the physical health risks of living with CEC are well-known and widely studied, less attention has been paid to the reality that this experience can pose a tremendous burden in terms of psychological stress for some communities and individuals. CEC is a unique stressor compared to other major threats (e.g., natural disasters) because it has relatively uncertain impacts and unfolds on a chronic, cyclical timescale.
Our lab has launched one of the most recent systematic investigations into the psychological impact of living with CEC. Please find links to relevant research and resources from our lab below.