Research Team and Collaborators
The CIPP Solutions Group is an informal cadre of collaborators working to understand and develop solutions for one of the most globally popular pipe repair technologies called CIPP. CIPP, which is known as cured-in-place-pipe, is considered a “trenchless” pipe repair method. This process enables contractors to repair a buried water or sewer pipe without diging up and replacing the existing damaged pipe. This practice involves the chemical manufacture of a new plastic pipe inside the existing damaged pipe. CIPP technology is also increasingly being used for plumbing repair inside buildings.
The purpose of the CIPP Solutions Group is to minimize human health and environmental risks associated with cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) technology and provide stakeholders information about chemical incidents and exposures that occur. CIPP use has been associated with a variety of significant human health and environmental consequences. These consequences including fish kills, injuries to children and adults, an explosion, and contaminated buildings, among others, have been associated with the improper chemical handling, improper waste management and disposal, improper or lack of safety warnings for workers and the public, and misinformation spread about the practice.
Studies supporting one or more of these members on cured-in-place-pipe technology, worker and public safety, and environmental issues have been funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF.gov), US National Institutes of Health / National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS.gov), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov), US Federal Highways Administration (FHWA.gov), and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT.gov).
Information on this site is provided for and has been used by law enforcement, members of the public, physicians, emergency responders like firefighters and police, local, county, state, and federal government health officials, CIPP workers, and researchers. Questions about this information and more can be directed CIPPSafety@Purdue.edu.
People
Professor Andrew J. Whelton, Purdue University, Lyles School of Civil Engineering and Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Center for Plumbing Safety, 16+ years of experience in infrastructure rehabilitation technologies, environmental chemistry, and polymer materials.
Professor Brandon E. Boor, Purdue University, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, 8+ years of experience in indoor air quality, aerosol/particulate matter, and human exposure.
Professor John A. Howarter, Purdue University, Materials Engineering and Environmental and Ecological Engineering, 14+ years of experience in polymer characterization, polymer degradation, polymer-water interactions in the environment.
Professor Jeffrey P. Youngblood, Purdue University, School of Materials Engineering, 21+ years of experience in polymer chemistry, composites, and surface science.
Professor Chad T. Jafvert, Purdue University, Lyles School of Civil Engineering and Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, 32+ years of experience in chemical and physicochemical fate processes of anthropogenic substances in natural and engineered environments.
Professor Jonathan Shannahan, Purdue University, School of Health Science, 10+ years of experience in toxicology, assessment of hazards associated with environmental and occupational exposures, and cardiopulmonary immune toxicology.
Dr. Nadezhda N. Zyaykina, Purdue University, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, 10+ years of experience in analytical chemistry and biological processes.
Professor Kelly G. Pennell, University of Kentucky, Department of Civil Engineering, UK Superfund Center, 15+ years of experience in fate and transport of environmental contaminants, water disinfection processes, and environmental systems modeling.
Professor Anna Hoover, University of Kentucky, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, 10+ years of experience in health and risk communication.
Professor Mark Weir, The Ohio State University, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ecology Epidemiology and Population Health Program, 15+ years of experience with operations and design decisions based on infrastructure and health risks.
University staff, as well as graduate and undergraduate students have also contributed.