Chemicals and Health

This module provides an overview of chemicals and how we are exposed to them, including a discussion of chemical production and regulation. It covers the fundamentals of chemical exposure pathways and introduces students to the regulatory framework governing chemicals.

This module dives into the science of how chemicals impact human health through the study of toxicology. Students learn about the mechanisms of toxic action and how poisons affect the body. The module includes lectures on toxicological principles and their application to public health.

This module covers the US National Biomonitoring Program and how chemical exposure is measured in human populations. Students learn how biomonitoring translates from national to local levels and the relationship between communities and government in monitoring chemical exposure.

This module addresses how scientists assess the impact of chemicals on human health. Students learn from experts in environmental and occupational medicine and epidemiology, and explore how policymakers use scientific knowledge to assess risk and develop policy.

This module explores how society addresses the impact of chemicals on health through policy. Students learn from non-profit organizations working to change laws and regulations, and examine historical impacts of chemical regulation on public health and the environment, with specific focus on air quality regulation in the US.

This module integrates all previous topics through real-world case studies including tobacco, contaminated food, drinking water, nanotechnology, and worker health. Students see how the general public, scientists, industry, governments, and non-profit groups collaborate to effect change. The module concludes with a summary and provides ideas for next steps for those interested in pursuing work in chemicals and health.