Environmental Health
Environmental Health - Related Videos
01:34
Environmental Enrichment for Rodents
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2026
All animal procedures described here must be conducted in accordance with institutional animal ethics guidelines and approved by IACUC. All procedures must follow the principles of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—and must be performed by trained personnel. Environmental enrichment involves objects and practices that encourage natural behaviors, improve psychological well-being, and promote better welfare in laboratory rodents. Environmental enrichment should be tailored to the...
12:04
RNA Analysis of Environmental Samples Using RT-PCR
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2023
Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona Demonstrating Author: Bradley Schmitz Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) involves the same process as conventional PCR — cycling temperature to amplify nucleic acids. However, while conventional PCR only amplifies deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), RT-PCR enables the amplification of ribonucleic acids (RNA) through the formation of complementary DNA (cDNA). This enables RNA-based organisms...
09:46
Production and Measurement of Organic Particulate Matter in the Harvard Environmental Chamber
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Cited by 5 •
2018
This paper describes operation procedures for the Harvard Environmental Chamber (HEC) and related instrumentation for measuring gaseous and particle species. The environmental chamber is used to produce and study secondary organic species produced from the organic precursors, especially related to atmospheric organic particulate matter.
09:35
Environmental Modulations of the Number of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons in Adult Mice
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Cited by 13 •
2015
This protocol describes two different environmental manipulations and a concurrent brain infusion protocol to study environmentally-induced brain changes underlying adaptive behavior and brain repair in adult mice.
10:48
Aseptic Technique in Environmental Science
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2023
Source: Laboratories of Dr. Ian Pepper and Dr. Charles Gerba - The University of Arizona Demonstrating Author: Luisa Ikner Aseptic technique is a fundamental skill widely practiced in the field of environmental microbiology that requires a balance of mindfulness and practice in the laboratory. Proper use of this technique reduces the likelihood of bacterial or fungal contamination of reagents, culture media, and environmental samples. Aseptic technique is also vital to ensure data integrity and...
FAQs
These pathways determine how a hazard reaches the body and help researchers connect an environmental measurement with a possible biological effect. Air contaminants are examined in relation to inhalation, while water or food hazards may be considered through ingestion; skin contact provides another route. Comparing pathways supports more focused exposure assessment and prevention.
Environmental health studies may track altered cellular signaling, oxidative balance, endocrine function, or immune responses after exposure. These mechanisms link a hazard to changes in biological regulation rather than treating a measured pollutant as an isolated observation. The resulting evidence helps explain how environmental conditions may contribute to adverse health outcomes and identifies processes relevant to prevention.
Toxicology examines biological effects, epidemiology evaluates patterns of health outcomes in populations, and risk assessment brings evidence about hazards and exposure together to judge potential risk. Used collectively, these approaches connect mechanistic findings with observations in communities. Their combined perspective helps translate environmental evidence into practical protection strategies and informed public health decisions.
Environmental changes can be studied through patterns of disease and biological responses. In this context, biology supplies the framework for examining how altered surroundings relate to cellular signaling, oxidative balance, endocrine function, and immunity. This perspective broadens environmental health beyond hazard detection, allowing researchers to connect population-level patterns with underlying biological processes.
Measurements may target hazards in air, water, soil, food, and workplaces, with the selected setting reflecting where exposure can occur. Investigators then interpret those measurements alongside pathways such as inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. This approach links environmental conditions to human exposure and provides evidence for evaluating potential biological and public health significance.
Evidence from hazard measurement, biological research, toxicology, epidemiology, and risk assessment can support pollution control and safer communities. It also informs public health policy by identifying environmental conditions associated with health concerns and populations that may require attention. The practical outcome is a prevention strategy based on exposure pathways, biological effects, and observed disease patterns.
Workplaces are one of the settings in which environmental hazards can be measured and evaluated. Researchers can examine whether conditions there create exposure opportunities through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact, then consider possible effects on cellular signaling, endocrine function, immunity, or oxidative balance. These findings can contribute to safer workplace conditions and broader prevention efforts.