Research Topics

Cleanup and Remediation

EPA develops procedures and methods to contain and mitigate contamination and to remediate the environment following public health and environmental incidents and disasters. Contamination incidents could require the decontamination of multiple buildings and outdoor areas. EPA's goal is to protect human health and the environment, and to restore contaminated areas as efficiently as possible.

Communities, Resilience & Remediation

EPA researchers are investigating the intertwined social and environmental variables that affect community resilience and vulnerability to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents and other disasters.

Contaminant Detection and Sampling and Analysis

EPA's research helps improve contaminant detection capabilities, sampling strategies, sample collection procedures, and sample analysis methodologies needed during and following chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) contamination events.

Contaminant Fate, Transport & Exposure

EPA researchers are studying the potential for exposure from contaminants, including the impact of short-term exposures. Information and models on exposure assessments can inform public health and cleanup decisions ranging from sampling, decontamination, waste management, and operational countermeasures.

COVID-19 Research

EPA researchers are building on an expansive body of world-class research by applying that knowledge to reduce the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This research will help states, tribes, local, and territorial governments, including public health agencies, guide homeowners, business owners, and workplace managers to reduce the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Oil Spill Research

One of EPA's top priorities is to help the nation be better prepared to respond to oil and fuel spills that threaten public health and natural ecosystems. The work supports the high-priority, immediate efforts of emergency response teams, as well as decades long monitoring of the impact of spilled oil. 

Waste Management 

EPA researchers develop methods for managing solid waste and contaminated water resulting from natural and human-made disasters, including waste minimization, treatment, storage and disposal. Researchers also develop tools and information to support waste management decisions. 

Water Security

EPA has a responsibility to improve water security for utilities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to water contamination that threatens public health. To support disaster preparedness, EPA develops modeling tools that aid the design and operation of water and wastewater systems in a way that decreases their vulnerability to disasters. 

Wildland Fire Research

EPA is using its expertise in air quality research to fill the gaps in scientific information and to develop tools to prevent and reduce the impact of smoke from wildfires and controlled or prescribed burns. 

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