NCT06315140 · NYU Langone Health
Assessing and Addressing Community Exposures to Environmental Contaminants
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to build on our equitable, eight-year Tribal-academic partnership with the Ramapough Nation of northern NJ to advance tradition-centered farming practices and management strategies supporting sustainable food systems to relieve local food insecurity and nutritional deficiency, prevent disease and promote health.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to build on our equitable, eight-year Tribal-academic partnership with the Ramapough Nation of northern NJ to advance tradition-centered farming practices and management strategies supporting sustainable food systems to relieve local food insecurity and nutritional deficiency, prevent disease and promote health. Furthermore, assessing the extent of environmental contamination, individual toxicant burdens and micronutrient levels and health disorders in Ramapough Tribal members of both sexes as outlined in the following: * Collect in-person/online survey information on demographics, health and food intake, nutrition, food security, and psychosocial stressors, and perform core anthropometric measurements (i.e., height, weight, body mass index, body circumference and blood pressure) at enrollment on Tribal members to inform health promotion strategies and community actions. * Determine individual-level contaminant burdens and micronutrient concentrations (e.g., iron, calcium, folate, vitamins) in urine and blood from surveyed (sub-aim 1a) Ramapough Turtle Clan volunteers. * Test soil, plants and surface water where Turtle Clan residents live, recreate and attend church in Ringwood, NJ using a community-based, citizen scientist approach.
Interventions
OTHER
Nutrition
The intervention will build on the 11-year Tribal-academic partnership with the Ramapough Nation of northern NJ to advance tradition-centered farming practices and management strategies supporting sustainable food systems to relieve local food insecurity. Working with the Ramapough-leased Munsee Three Sisters Medicinal farm (growing produce/crops on clean soil) will provide the tribe with nutrition-rich foods and recipes for nutritious cooking. The interventions aims to return healthy soil on the farm allowing for healthy plant production.
Primary outcome measures
Proportion of individuals with heavy metal contaminants in home water samples
Time frame: through study completion, an average 2 years
Outcome measures will be collected using home water samples.
Proportion of individuals with heavy metal and metalloid contaminations in blood biospecimens
Time frame: through study completion, an average 2 years
Outcomes measures will be evaluated using blood samples from the Ramapough Lunaape Tribe.
Proportion of individuals with heavy metal and metalloid contaminations in urine biospecimens
Time frame: through study completion, an average 2 years
Outcomes measures will be evaluated using urine samples from the Ramapough Lunaape Tribe.
Proportion of individuals with insufficient blood serum micronutrient levels
Time frame: through study completion, an average 2 years
Outcome measures will be evaluated using blood serum from the Ramapough Lunaape tribe.
Proportion of individuals with health disorders
Time frame: through study completion, an average 2 years
Health status will be assessed using anthropometric measures including blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, height and Body Mass Index (BMI).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Male or female between the age of 18 - 80 years old at the time of enrollment
- Living on the streets of Halifax Road, Orange Turnpike, Ramapo Ave, 1st-7th Streets, Mountain Avenue and Fox Hollow Road in Hillburn, NY; Peter's Mine Road, Canon Mine Road, Pipeline Road, Milligan Drive, Cable House Road and Van Dunk Lane in Ringwood, NJ; Stag Hill Road, and Ramapo Brae Lane in Mahwah, NJ
- Willing and able to provide consent
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnant women and individuals under 18 or over 80 years old
- Do not live in the identified streets above and/or have lived there for less than 2 years will be excluded from the study
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations