Environmental factors in neurotoxicology will be emphasized. I Introduces the general principles and practices of risk assessment, including hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterization, as well as management. Data extrapolation techniques and model selection will be discussed. Case studies will be used to demonstrate the process of risk assessment and methods of interpretation. Considers the relation of epidemiological evidence to risk assessment.
Students review and critique a number of published articles.
Case studies representative of a variety of exposures, outcomes, and study designs are used to illustrate the application of epidemiological principles to the study of exposures occurring in the workplace and in the general environment. Considers major workplace exposures such as solvents, particulates, noise, radiation, ergonomic hazards, pollution of ground water, surface water, and air, and control methods such as engineering changes and personal protective equipment. Laboratory sessions present measurement and personal protective techniques, and field trips include visits to industrial facilities. May be taken prior to EOH 540. Covers both ionizing and nonionizing radiation.