We all are constantly exposed to a large variety of chemical, biological and physical agents. Contact with these agents can cause problems to human and ecosystem health (including death!) and yet cannot be avoided. In Environmental Health, we understand the relationship between the amount of exposure, the likelihood of an adverse outcome, and methods to maintain exposures to levels that do not present unreasonable risks.

Of particular importance in our curricula in studying these issues are Environmental Toxicology (ENVH 407) and Epidemiology (ENVH 449). We explore the mechanisms by which environmental agents affect humans and ecosystems and methods for determining risk. Our graduates have the tools needed for understanding and – most importantly – influencing the levels of agents that are present in our environment.

Below are some useful links to explore the toxicity of agents.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has the mission of using science as the basis of providing health information to prevent harmful exposures and disease related to toxic substances. It is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its main web site links to a wealth of information concerning toxicity and sites adversely affected by environmental contamination.

ATSDR prepares toxicological profiles on hazardous substances found at “Superfund” sites (sites where dangerous levels of hazardous substances are left uncontrolled). These profiles are regularly updated and provide thorough reviews of these agents.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has useful web page on Pesticides, Toxics and Chemical Projects and Programs. Listed are many web sites encompassing a number of different types of issues related to toxicity.

IRIS, USEPA’s Integrated Risk Information System, contains a substance file list that includes a tremendous amount of information on individual chemicals.

USEPA’s Exposure Factor Handbook describes standard values to use to evaluate exposures to toxic agents from various routes.