Exposure Analysis

EH&E scientists possess deep understanding and knowledge of state-of-the-art measurement and modeling methods used to evaluate human exposure to environmental stressors. Through these innovative practices, we have produced some of the most up-to-date research and results in the field. EH&E staff members are experienced in presenting exposure information for use in risk assessments and informing decision-makers. As leaders in the field, EH&E’s exposure scientists frequently present their advancements at professional conferences and are published in peer-reviewed journals.

Selected Engagements

Indoor Environments
EH&E was retained by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to assess the environmental conditions that exist in representative complaint homes constructed with “Chinese drywall” and to determine if those conditions could contribute to reported health symptoms and material degradation. The in-depth field investigation brought together EH&E experts from a variety of backgrounds, including building sciences, exposure assessment, corrosion science, industrial hygiene and risk communication. Working with CPSC, EH&E developed a technique to “fingerprint” the material in question and found that the presence of drywall with this fingerprint was strongly associated with elevated levels of pollutants, particularly hydrogen sulfide, and accelerated corrosion of copper and silver. Chemical emissions and accelerated corrosion appear to be the product of many factors, probably acting synergistically, including emissions of formaldehyde from other sources, low ventilation rates, and elevated temperature and humidity. EH&E delivered its report to CPSC and presented the summary of findings before the U.S. Congress in November 2009.