Understanding chemical exposures in Glynn County through rigorous, community-partnered science.
Scientists from Emory University and the University of Georgia, with guidance from Healthy Coastal Neighborhoods, conducted a human exposure study in Glynn County. The study provides evidence that chemicals associated with local hazardous sites have contributed to exposures in Glynn County residents, and that some residents have exposures far exceeding what is common in the general population.
The peer-reviewed scientific article describing the study can be found here.
Coastal Glynn County, Georgia, is home to four hazardous sites on the United States EPA’s National Priorities List. Toxicants of concern include mercury, the pesticide toxaphene, and Aroclor 1268, a mixture of highly chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); these toxicants are known to persist in the local environment and/or regional aquatic life, including local seafood. At the invitation of, and in partnership with, local community leaders and environmental groups, we conducted a human exposure study in Glynn County.
The average age of the study participants was 61 years, 66% were female, and 46% were Black. Mercury levels in study participants were comparable to the general US population. Levels of less chlorinated PCBs (PCB 118, 138, 153 and 180) were lower in participants compared to the general population, but the highly chlorinated PCBs associated with Aroclor 1268 were elevated; 19.3%, 25.0% and 39.8% of participants were above the estimated 95th percentile reference values for PCBs 196 + 203, 199, and 206, respectively.
About 20% of participants were above the 95th percentile reference level for both toxaphene Parlars tested (Parlars 26 and 50). We also report on several other toxicants including other metals (lead and cadmium), p,p’-DDE, and poly- and per-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). This study provides evidence that toxicants associated with local hazardous sites have contributed to exposures in Glynn County residents, and that some residents have exposures far exceeding what is common in the general population.
Healthy Coastal Neighborhoods also partnered with Science Journal for Kids to develop a simple, accessible guide to the study, which is available here. It is designed for the classroom, but also great for anyone wanting to understand the study without the technical jargon.
The scientific team, with support from Healthy Coastal Neighborhoods, has applied for federal funding to expand the research to learn more about who is exposed, how they got exposed, and whether the exposures are causing health problems in the community. As of February 2026, they are still awaiting a final funding decision.