This study aimed to show the results from a cluster analysis application in the characterization of population exposure to organochlorines through variables related to time and exposure dose. Characteristics of 354 subjects in a population exposed to organochlorine pesticides residues related to time and exposure dose were subjected to cluster analysis to separate them into subgroups. We perfor...

Biological markers (measurements made from biological media) are currently of great interest to epidemiologists in the field of environmental health. After placing markers within an historical and conceptual framework, this paper assesses the practical advantages and limitations of biological markers with respect to epidemiological methods and discusses criteria for the evaluation of markers. I...

This paper discusses the principles of study design and related methodologic issues in environmental epidemiology. Emphasis is given to studies aimed at evaluating causal hypotheses regarding exposures to suspected health hazards. Following background sections on the quantitative objectives and methods of populationbased research, we present the major types of observational designs used in envi...

SummaryIn environmental epidemiology, exposures are not always available at subject locations and must be predicted using monitoring data. The monitor locations are often outside the control of researchers, and previous studies have shown that "preferential sampling" of monitoring locations can adversely affect exposure prediction and subsequent health effect estimation. We adopt a slightly dif...

Unexplained illnesses characterized by nonspecific, multisystem complaints are often attributed to occupational or environmental chemical exposures. This raises difficulties for the regulatory authorities, who are frequently unable to agree on the existence, nature, or source of such illnesses. It is proposed that many of these difficulties derive from an adherence to a traditional medical mode...

Julia Brody, Ph.D., Executive Director, Silent Spring Institute Kenneth P. Cantor, Ph.D., M.P.H., Senior Investigator, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute William L. Chameides, Ph.D., Dean, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Capt. Susan M. Conrath, Ph.D., U.S. Public Health Service, Office of Air and Radiation, Indoor Environments Division, U...

This paper deals with the area of environmental epidemiology involving measurement of exposure and dose, health outcomes, and important confounding and modifying variables (including genotype and psychosocial factors). Using examples, we illustrate strategies for increasing the accuracy of exposure and dose measurement that include dosimetry algorithms, pharmacokinetic models, biologic markers,...

1. Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland 2. University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland 3. Health Protection Agency, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, UK 4. MRC-HPA Centre for Environment and Health, St George’s, University of London. 5. MRC-HPA Centre for Environment and Health, King’s College London 6. Health Effects Institute, Boston MA USA 7. MRC...

BACKGROUND Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common neurological disorders. Despite this, the disease mechanisms and etiology are not well understood. While susceptibility genotypes undoubtedly underlie many ET cases, no ET genes have been identified thus far. As with many other progressive, degenerative neurological disorders, it is likely that environmental factors contribute to the et...