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EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) is comprised of several divisions with diversified research specialties. NERL conducts research and development that leads to improved methods, measurements and models to assess and predict exposures of humans and ecosystems to harmful pollutants and other conditions in air, water, soil, and food.
The U.S. EPA conducted a limited-scale scoping study to test a study protocol and monitoring methods for generating environmental data associated with the use of recycled tire material. As part of this evaluation, data were collected at a limited number of sites. EPA will use the information to help determine possible next steps to address questions regarding the safety of tire crumb material in recreational fields and playgrounds. Read more about the tire crumb limited-scale scoping study...
Scientists know that clouds promote transformations that naturally-occurring and manmade chemicals undergo in the atmosphere. Clouds and other characteristics of the atmosphere, such as the energy contained in sunlight, are of great interest to these scientists because they impact air quality, air pollution, and ultimately the health of people and ecosystems. Read more about CMAQ...
This summer, scientists in EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory began sampling air across Cleveland, Ohio, to better understand the links between sources of air pollution and adverse health effects. The research will be used to develop new tools and models for air quality managers to reduce and control air pollutants at their source. Read more about how NERL scientists are tracking air pollutants...
A Conceptual Framework for the U.S. EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory provides a foundation for addressing NERL's research mission and its scientific leadership goals. Read more about the exposure framework document ...
NERL has compiled a database listing citation information for literature related to PPCPs. (updated December 2009)
Additional Links
Download this two-page brochure to learn more about NERL.
- NERL Publications
- NERL's Exposure Framework Document
- Scientific and Ethical Approaches for Observational Exposure Studies
- Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study (DEARS)
- Important Exposure Factors - NERL report on important exposure factors for children.
- PPCP's - Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products as Pollutants
- CMAQ - air quality modeling
- Disinfection By-products (DBPs) - What is in our drinking water?
- National Epidemiological and Environmental Assessment of Recreational (NEEAR) Water Study
- COPP Study - EPA study finds air pollutants in cars cause health effects
- CTEPP Study
- Environmental Forensics - identification of pollutants of unknown origin
- Vacuum Distillation - analyzing organic chemicals
- EPA and CDC Symposium on Air Pollution Exposure and Health
- Science Forum 2008
Human Exposure & Atmospheric Sciences - Characterizes aggregate human exposure from all sources and the emission and movement of pollutants through the atmosphere. Scientific Reports: Particulate Matter (PM), Children and their Environment, HEASD virtual lab tour
Ecological Exposure - Conducts laboratory and field studies aimed at providing research products that enable the Agency to conduct predictive and retrospective exposure assessments.
Some Highlights: Ecological Exposure Research Projects, EERD virtual lab tour
Ecosystems Research - Performs research on approaches to multimedia modeling for landscape, nutrient and chemical stressors of ecosystems.
Some Highlights: Watershed and Water Quality Modeling Technical Support Center, OnSite OnLine Tools for Site Assessment, Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM), ERD virtual lab tour
Environmental Sciences - Develops methods for characterizing chemical and physical stressors. Develops landscape and regional assessment capabilities through the use of remote sensing and advanced spatial analysis techniques.
Some Highlights: Landscape Ecology Projects, ESD virtual lab tour
Microbiological & Chemical Exposure Assessment - Conducts research to measure, characterize and predict the exposure of humans to chemical and microbial hazards. This research provides information on environmental pathways by which hazardous contaminants are transported via air, water, food, and soil to populations at risk. Some Highlights: Microbiology Site, Drinking Water Methods, Marine Water Methods, MCEARD virtual lab tour
Atmospheric Modeling - Develops advanced air quality models that can simulate the transport and fate of pollutants in the atmosphere.
Some Highlights: Atmospheric Modeling Monthly Highlights, Current Research, AMD virtual lab tour