RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY

Introduction
Involved Researchers
Ongoing Research
Recently Published Articles

Environmental epidemiology
Environmental epidemiology is the study of effects of the physical and chemical environment on the frequency and distribution of diseases and injuries in the population. Environmental epidemiologists study health effects in populations resulting from exposure to physical, chemical, and biological agents. This can include the contribution of social, economic, cultural, and global factors (e.g., urbanization, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, energy production, global warming) that are related to these exposures. Recognition of health hazards posed by large-scale industrialization, environmental changes, and ecological disruption, often via indirect pathways, has added an extra dimension to this field. Related disciplines are occupational, social (social environment, lifestyles) and infectious disease epidemiology (exposure to microbial agents). Interest in environmental epidemiology has increased in the last decade, since gene  environment interactions seem to explain a large proportion of the disease occurrence. Hence, to understand the effect of genetic polymorphisms, we need a better understanding of their interaction with environmental factors.

Occupational epidemiology
Occupational epidemiology is the study of effects of workplaces on the frequency and distribution of diseases and injuries in worker populations. Occupational epidemiologic studies may involve looking at workers exposed to a variety of chemical, biological or physical (e.g., noise, heat, radiation) agents to determine if the exposures result in the risk of adverse health outcomes. Alternatively, epidemiologic studies may involve the evaluation of workers with a common adverse health outcome to determine if an agent or set of agents may explain their disease.

Involved Researchers:
James Burch Ph.D.
Wilfried Karmaus MD, Dr.med., MPH
Erik Svendsen Ph.D.
Sacoby Wilson Ph.D.

Ongoing Reseach
SC DHEC Long-term Health Surveillance of the Graniteville Chlorine Spill Longitudinal Cohort.
Erik Svendsen (PA)
- Eicosanoids in exhaled breath condensates as markers of long-term pulmonary inflammation in a population acutely exposed to chlorine gas
- Long-term pulmonary function and reactivity in a population-based sample of a community acutely exposed to chlorine gas

Michigan Fisheater Studies
Wilfried Karmaus MD, Dr.med., MPH
In this project, Dr. Karmaus partnershiped with Dr. Janet Osuch, who became the PI of the Michigan Fisheater Cohort study, when Dr. Karmaus left Michigan State University (MSU). Dr. Janet Osuch recently received a 5-year renewal of the study. The project is investigating gene expression of sex steroid hormones in female and male adult offspring who were prenatally exposed to PCBs and DDE. From their maternal serum levels, we extrapolated exposure at birth and linked this with gene expression data. All interviews, anthropometric measurements, and gene expression assessment are conducted at Michigan State University. The team at the School of Public Health support the analyses of the data. A large multi-generational data-set is available for research that can be conducted by graduate students.
First results of the two-generation study in females showed that gene expression in adult female offspring may be initiated prenatally by PCBs and DDE. If this is correct, it will have ramifications for a number of adult diseases.

Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) study
Wilfried Karmaus MD, Dr.med., MPH
Dr. Plamen Dimitrov, a former student of Dr. Karmaus, received NIH funding to study BEN after he returned to Bulgaria (Fogarty International Center, The Global Research Initiative Program for New Foreign Investigators). Dr. Karmaus is a consultant on this BEN grant. This research project studies early clinical markers and environmental exposures in offspring of parents who developed this kidney disease and of control parents. Since 2003, about 200 participant undergo yearly clinical exams and collection of blood and urine. To support nephrologic assessments, we have established collaboration with Dr. Vecihi Batuman, Professor of Medicine, Section of Nephrology-Hypertension, at Tulane University Medical School. Graduate students are welcome to this large data-set on environmental conditions and kidney health.

Chernobyl accident and the Narodichi children cohort study
Wilfried Karmaus MD, Dr.med., MPH
Erik Svendsen (Ph.D.)
The project investigates a variety of health sequel after the Chernobyl accident in the Ukraine. The Narodichi Region is about 40 km away from the Chernobyl reactor site. The research was initiated by Dr. Maryna Naboka (Kyiv, Ukraine) during her study year at USC. The intramural seed funding at USC supported data entry of repeated clinical and laboratory exams conducted between 1993 and 1998 of approximately 1,400 children (Narodichi Children Cohort). The data facilitates the study of pre- and postnatal radiation effects after the Chernobyl accident on the children’s development. This project is in collaboration with Prof. Yevgenia Stepanova, Dr. Vitaliy Vdovenko (Department of Radiation Paediatrics, Academy Medicine of Sciences, Kyiv), Dr. Maryna Naboka (Research Center Radiation Medicine, Academy Medicine of Sciences) and Drs. Tim Mousseau (School of the Environment). Graduate students are welcome to support the analyses of this large data-set.

Endotoxin Exposure and Genetic Factors in Organic Dust Lung Disease.
Burch, James (Co-I)
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
September 1, 2003 – August 31, 2008
The primary goals of this study are to: characterize exposure to endotoxin-containing corn dust in a population of workers; evaluate respiratory symptoms, lung function, and immune markers in the same population; identify a measurement method for endotoxin that is the best predictor of these responses; and measure genetic markers to identify workers with increased endotoxin sensitivity.

Recently Published Articles:
Bove Jr. GE, Rogerson PA, Vena JE. Case Control Study of the Geographic Variability of Exposure to Disinfectant Byproducts and Risk for Rectal Cancer. International Journal of Health Geographics 2007, 6:18 doi:10.1186/1476-072X-6-18. The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.ij-healthgeographics.com/content/6/1/18

Wilson SM and Serre ML. Use of Passive Samplers to Measure Atmospheric Ammonia in a High Density Industrial Hog Farm Region in Eastern NC. Atmospheric Environment 41(28):6074-6086 (2007).