The Department of Environmental Health Sciences conducts laboratory and applied field research on the impact of the environment on human health. The overarching research foci encompass factors influencing water quality and disaster management impact on health. Health endpoints of specific interest are: cancer, respiratory disease including asthma, gastro-intestinal disorders, workplace health, and adverse reproductive health. Areas include:
EHS collaborates with the Research Center of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo and the Anton de Kom University, Suriname, supported by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on the MekiTamara project in Suriname. The overall goal of this project is to assess the impact of exposures to neurotoxicants (such as heavy metals and pesticides) on maternal and child health in Suriname while preserving the unique assets, health and cultural traditions of indigenous and other health disparate populations.
The Tulane MSPH program in Industrial Hygiene is supported by a Training and Education grant awarded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Students in the MSPH – IH program are eligible to apply for a NIOSH traineeship which may provide partial tuition support and stipend. For further details on the NIOSH training program, contact Program Director Dr. Roy Rando.
Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership and Strategic Initiatives
Funded by NIH for community-based research. The center facilitates collaborative research and the transfer of information with community-based organizations along the Gulf Coast. The Center employs evidence-based approaches to guide and deliver outreach and education programs. The center seeks to empower and move communities toward solutions to pressing environmental health issues by providing leadership development and engaging a core of community stakeholders. Community-based projects include the following:
The Center for Applied Environmental Public Health (CAEPH)
CAEPH uses a multidisciplinary approach to assess the impact of environmental agents on human health. CAEPH researchers utilize computing technology as a tool to analyze data and to assess the health impact of environmental contaminants. Areas of study include: childhood lead poisoning; application of surveillance methodology and data analysis to environmental health issues; and the translation of research for applications in environmental health practice.
CAEPH is a leader in public health education using online learning to provide master’s degrees in occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene and disaster management.
CAEPH provides professional development through the Region 6 Public Health Training Center funded by HRSA.