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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.
Singer Joni Mitchell crooned, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” Today the presence of thousands of parking lots in the United States illustrates just one example of how human-induced change can negatively affect the benefits — or ecosystem services — provided by the environment that we have come to rely upon to live.
Annmarie Carlton will receive the Rutgers University Alumni Award for Early Career Distinction at a special awards ceremony on March 9, 2009. The University will bestow this special honor on Carlton to acknowledge her many contributions to atmospheric science since her graduation - specifically in the field of secondary organic aerosol modeling.
NERL Researchers are collaborating with the National Geographic Society and the World Resources Institute to develop tools to help community, state and regional decision makers understand the total costs and benefits of proposed land uses. Read more about the collaboration...
NERL has compiled a database listing citation information for literature related to PPCPs. (updated February 2009)
NERL has prepared a document on scientific and ethical approaches for observational exposure studies through recommendations from an expert panel, public comment, and external peer review.
NERL scientists are recognized as experts in the field of exposure research. Our investigators are invited to speak at conferences, meetings and workshops across the country and around the world. Follow this link to find more information about upcoming events (through March 2009).
Additional Research Links
- NERL Publications
- Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study (DEARS)
- Important Exposure Factors - NERL report on important exposure factors for children.
- 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
- NERL Science Forum 2006
- Posters and Presentations from the 2006 ISEA
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