Article
John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
The Microbiological and Chemical Exposure Assessment Research Division (MCEARD) is a division of the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) and operates within the Office of Research and Development (ORD).
MCEARD conducts research to measure, characterize and predict the exposure of humans to chemical and microbial hazards. This research provides information on environmental pathways which contaminants of public health concern are transported to populations at risk. Analytical quantitative methods are developed to accurately and specifically measure human risk factors associated with inhalation, ingestion and dermal pathways. Surveys and monitoring studies are carried out to determine the levels of hazardous chemicals and microbials in environmental matrices, and human populations are studied to determine significant exposure pathways, the levels of exposure and the sources of exposure factors. State-of-the-art analytical methods are used to measure organic and inorganic chemicals. Genomic and immuno-based methods, as well traditional cultural methods, are used to measure hazardous bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Molecular- and sero-epidemiological tools are used to assess human populations for evidence of exposure to environmental hazards.
The Division conducts its multidiscipline research program with a broad skill mix of scientists that includes organic, inorganic and analytical chemists, bacteriologists, virologists, parasitologists, immunologists and molecular biologists. The Division is one of several U.S. EPA research organizations located in the Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center at 26 West M.L. King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268 . This Center is in the Clifton/Corryville area just north of downtown Cincinnati and is located between interstates I-75 and I-71. It is situated adjacent to the main campus of the University of Cincinnati. The Division consists of three branches, the Biohazard Assessment Research Branch, the Microbial Exposure Research Branch and the Chemical Exposure Research Branch.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC• www.Microshield-ES.com
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