United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
tH A/600/1-00/014
September 2000
http ://ww w. epa. go v./n nee rl
Office of Research and Development.(MDS'i)
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The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment—air,
water, land—upon which life depends. Achieving this goal requires
scientifically sound programs, policies, and standards. EPA's Office of
Research and Development (ORD) provides relevant, high quality
research and technical support which serves as a foundation for informed
environmental decision-making.
The NATIONAL HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
RESEARCH LABORATORY (NHEERL), a research arm of ORD, is
EPA's focal point for scientific research on the adverse effects of pollution
and other stressors on human health and ecosystem vitality. Our scientists
provide information essential to effective regulatory and policy decisions.
Currently, major research activities are focused on the harmful effects of
particulate matter and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. NHEERL
researchers are actively involved in ecological monitoring through the
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP).
NHMlSR&s Mission
* Improve 'EPA's ability to-asses$!feealth and ecolsgical risk
and provide technical assistance at the local, state,
regional, tribal, national and international level.
•, Perform research on effects of contaminants and other
environmental stressors on human health and ecosystems.
• Provide leadership, in .environmental science, research and
'•;. •/'•assessment/ '.':. •./'.'.•"••.'" .-.,-.•/-- .."•• ' '../ .•'•''-
Scientists at NHEERL conduct clinical, biological, epidemiological,
toxicological, and biogeographic research to determine potential hazards
of pollutants to human health. They identify environmental stressors
(e.g., pesticides, industrial chemicals, metals) and conduct dose-response
assessments to estimate human health effects. Test methods, computer
models, and biological assays developed at NHEERL are used to widely
address environmentally-related diseases such as cancer, asthma and
reproductive, neurotoxic and immune system-related, and cardiopulmo-
nary disfunctions. Test data are used to develop improved models to
screen for potential toxic effects of chemicals. Other research focuses on
assessing the impact of pollutants on male and female reproductive
systems, embryo and fetal development, and development after birth.
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Laboratoiy, field and modeling studies of ecosystems target specific
habitats (such as wetlands, sediments, estuaries, and forests) to assess the
effects of physical and chemical stressors on organisms and their ecologi-
cal communities. Scientists study how chemicals accumulate in the food
web, or how changes in climate could impact human health or wildlife.
NHEERL researchers also develop geographically specific models to
assess future impact on the
environment from changes in
landscape, nutrient conditions, and
other stressors. Terracosms
(controlled, sunlit environmental
chambers) are used to evaluate
changes in soil conditions, plant
growth, and forest areas due to
environmentally-induced factors
such as excess ozone or carbon
dioxide.
Because of its ecological and
human health expertise, NHEERL
has begun to develop a more
integrated, holistic approach to
conducting research to address the
impact of multiple environmental
stressors. This approach recognizes the intimate relationship that exists
between ecological and human health conditions. Whether in the labora-
tory or in the field, NHEERL is focusing on the gaps in scientific knowl-
edge needed to make important decisions to protect human health and the
environment. The Laboratory team combines basic and applied sciences
to provide a unique blend of state-of-the-science research capabilities.
The complexities of today's environmental challenges demand an
interdisciplinary approach, and NHEERL's scientific diversity offers
unique opportunities for such collaboration to address EPA's high priority
research areas. In addition to in-house research, NHEERL conducts an
extramural program through cooperative agreements, contracts, grants,
and interagency agreements. NHEERL works to enhance partnerships
with local, state, and tribal governments, federal agencies, universities
and other stakeholders to fill the knowledge gaps in environmental
research programs. Developmental opportunities for scientists are also
provided through postdoctoral research positions.
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NHEERL scien-
tists are leaders in the
environmental
research arena and are
actively involved in
the scientific commu-
nity. They serve on
publication review
panels, international
and domestic plan-\
ning committees and
scientific advisory boards, participate in national scientific societies and
organizations, and serve as adjunct university faculty members and
mentors for graduate students.
NHEERL is the largest research arm within EPA's Office of Research
and Development (ORD). Based in Research Triangle Park, NC,
NHEERL has nine divisions in six states and a work force of over 700
federal employees. Five health divisions are centrally located in Research
Triangle Park and Chapel Hill, NC,.and four ecology divisions are based
in ecologically significant regions (Atlantic seaboard, Pacific coast, Great
Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico) to address national and regional ecologi-
cal risk assessment issues.
Environmental Carcinogenesis (RTF, NC) - Examines the association
between environmental pollution and cancer, focusing on cellular
toxicology.
Experimental Toxicology (RTP, NC) - Conducts pharmacokinetics
research to examine pulmonary, immunological, cardiovascular, and renal
toxicity from environmental contaminants.
Human Studies (Chapel Hill, NC) - Conducts clinical and epidemiologi-
cal investigations to understand human response to pollution.
Neurotoxkology (RTP, NC) - Evaluates the effects of chemical and
physical agents on the nervous system.
Reproductive Toxicology (RTP, NC) - Develops methods to determine
the effects of environmental pollutants on reproduction and development.
Atlantic Ecology (Narragansett, RI) - Examines the effects of contami-
nants and other stressors on the coastal waters, sediment and watersheds
of the Atlantic seaboard.
Gulf Ecology (Gulf Breeze, FL) - Assesses the ecological conditions of
the Gulf of Mexico's coastal ecosystems, including its wetlands, bays,
estuaries, and coral reefs.
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Mid-Continent Ecology (Duluth, MN, and Grosse He, MI) - Studies
freshwater ecosystems and wildlife to understand the basic processes and
mechanisms involved in aquatic toxicity in lakes, streams, and wetlands.
Western Ecology (Corvallis and Newport, OR) - Evaluates the effects
of chemical contaminants, land use, and global climate change on
terrestrial ecosystems and watershed ecology along the Pacific coast.
Location of NHE.ERL Research Facilities
Newport,
Corvallis,
OR
Narragansett, RI
Gulf Breeze,
FL
Research
Triangle
Park, NC
Chapel
Hill, NC
Overall leadership and scientific direction are provided by the
following:
Director, Dr. Lawrence W. Reiter
Deputy Director for Management, Ann Akland
Research Planning & Coordination Staff Director, Dr. Robert Dyer
Associate Director for Health, Dr. Harold Zenick
Associate Director for Ecology, Dr. Oilman Veith
For additional information about the NHEERL, contact the
Public Affairs Office at 919-541-4577.or visit the NHEERL's
Internet home page at http://www.epa.gov/nheerl. .
Cover photo by Steve Delaney
Printed on Recycled Paper
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