Toxicology

Persistent environmental pollutants (POPs), such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are ubiquitously detected in the environment despite removal from commercial and industrial use.

Introduction: The incidence rates of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and cutaneous malignant melanoma are rapidly increasing. While inhaled particulate matter (PM) has been classified as a lung carcinogen, the associations between ambient PM (either PM2.5 and PM10) and skin cancers have not been studied thoroughly.

In 2018, 3.2% of adults reported currently using an e-cigarette (vaping) at least once in a 30-day period. 20.8% and 4.9% of high school and middle school students, respectively, also reported using e-cigarettes during that same year.

Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is one of the least tested health effects of the more than 80,000 chemicals registered for use today. In order to more efficiently test chemicals for DNT, more knowledge is needed on mechanisms that trigger adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), this research analyzed human cadaver hair for gadolinium and mice hair samples for cadmium. This project combined fundamental bench science (analytical chemistry and animal studies), and insight into exposures to an emerging contaminant.

This dissertation focuses on developing frameworks and supporting evidence for the prioritization of chemicals found in children’s consumer products. Toxic chemicals found in children’s consumer products can impact child health and development.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are one of the 84,000 chemicals regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA) Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that have yet to be tested for potential respiratory toxicity.

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal of high interest to the Superfund initiative. It causes toxic effects to many organs, including kidney, liver, lung, and bone. Cd is also a potential neurotoxicant.

Diesel exhaust (DE) is a major contributor to air pollution globally. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter make up a large portion of its components.

Background: Chlorpyrifos is among the most heavily used conventional insecticides in the United States. The public is chronically exposed to low levels of chlorpyrifos in food crop residues and drinking water.

Escalating prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in recent decades has triggered increasing efforts in understanding the role played by environmental risk factors as a way to address this widespread public health concern. Several epidemiological studies show associations between developmental exposure to traffic-related air pollution and increased ASD risk.

Polybro