The theme of the Human Exposures and Outcomes (HEO) Core is to improve understanding of complex real-world exposures and responses among populations with varying susceptibility due to host factors and multiple environmental exposures to chemical, infectious, and other non-chemical stressors that have cumulative and/or interactive effects on human health. Core investigators use exposure modeling, as well as validated human biomarkers of exposure and response to understand, prevent or mitigate exposures and risks.

CEED is recognized for its expertise in exposure science and research linking exposures to health effects. Over the past 25 years, CEED research has improved our understanding of the molecular basis for exposure response-relationships for lead, chromium, ozone, diesel exhaust, benzene, phthalates, and complex mixtures, including volatile organic compounds, ambient air pollution, and World Trade Center (WTC) dust. Studies are conducted in both natural settings and at ambient levels in controlled environments (e.g., in the CEED Controlled Exposure Facility). To define the relationship between internal and external markers of individual exposure, the Core collaborates with the Environmental/Chemical Pathogenesis Core to develop new biomarkers of exposure and biological response indicators. Core investigators use exposure modeling and validated human biomarkers of exposure and response to understand, prevent or mitigate risk from both acute and chronic exposures. Working with the Prevention/Intervention Research Core, investigators use mechanistic insights to improve source to effect models and validate outcome biomarkers for application to intervention research.

Fungi isolated from water-damaged houses after Hurricane Sandy: penicillium sp. (left) and aspergillus sp. (right)
Fungi isolated from water-damaged houses after Hurricane Sandy: penicillium sp. (left) and aspergillus sp. (right)