Southeastern U.S. Contaminants of Emerging Concern Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) as new or existing chemicals/substances that may or may not have regulatory standards, are not currently included in routine monitoring programs, and/or have the possibility of adverse toxicology effects.

These include but are not limited to: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and nanomaterials. CECs are being detected at increasing levels in the environment, and are receiving attention as their total toxicity to humans and wildlife is not fully understood.

In the Southeastern U.S., there is a growing need for interdisciplinary research regarding CECs, especially due to the rapid coastal change occurring in the region. The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium (Consortium) is collaborating with University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant (MAREX) and the National Sea Grant Law Center (NSGLC) to lead a southeast regional research program focused on the influence of climate change on these CECs.