Environmental Health, Health Services and Toxicology Research Program

The original Environmental Health & Toxicology Research Program (EHTRP), funded in 1992 by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) as part of its Substance-Specific Applied Research Program (SSARP), is a shining example of research collaboration effectiveness. This program, now in its 13th year, has at one time or another involved all of the AMHPS institutions (excluding Howard University).

As mandated by Congress, this research program was designed to:

Fill gaps in the scientific community concerning the health impact of the most common hazardous substances found in the environment.
Strengthen the environmental health research opportunities for scientists and students and AMHPS institutions.
Enhance existing disciplinary capacities to conduct research in toxicology, environmental health and biomedical sciences.
Contribute to the production of outstanding environmental health professionals committed to serving minority communities and disadvantaged populations.

During these past years, researchers at our member institutions addressed 14 ATSDR data needs for the following 12 priority hazardous substances:

Lead
Mercury
Benzene
Cadmium
Benzo [a] pyrene
Fluoranthene
Trichlorocthylene
Toluene
Zinc
Manganese
Chlordane
Di-N-butylphthalate

The primary objective of the previously funded research projects was to understand the linkage between exposure to hazardous substances such as lead, zinc, manganese, chlordane and di-N-butylphthalate and their effects on human health. The results of these studies will reduce the uncertainties of public health assessments and will provide the most effective measures to prevent or mitigate the adverse human health effects of these toxic substances.

Along with developing an understanding of the linkage between exposure to hazardous substances and their human effects, the ten-year program provided an opportunity for the development of environmental health science research at minority institutions. Participating institutions have grown from zero capacity for providing quality environmental health science research to being recognized nationally and internationally for their accomplishments.

Over the past 10 years research conducted under this program by our member institutions included:

Relationship between lead exposure and elevated blood pressure. Communities.
Prevalence of lead exposure to minority children in selected Atlanta communities.
Identification of the mechanism of the neurotoxicity of lead and manganese.
Environmental multimedia study of lead, cadmium, zinc and manganese in an urban setting.
Multigenerational Effects of Benzo[a]pyrene on reproduction.
Multigenerational Effects of Zinc Chloride in Mice.

The Association of Minority Health Professions Schools recently began a 5-year study addressing “Healthy People 2010” focus areas including environmental health; health communications; maternal, infant and child health; and educational community-based programs.

Current Research Programs include:

1. Pb/Mn: Cell Signaling and Gene Expression In Primary Neurons

2. Community-Based Internships to Address Environmental Issues

3. MSM Environmental Medicine Rotation Program

4. Effects of Arsenic and Dieldrin Mixture on Reproduction

5. Effects of Chlorpyrifos on Glial Cell Development

6. Multimedia Study of Arsenic, Selenium, Mercury, and Mo in Rural and Urban Environments

7. Quantitative Determination of PCB’s, PAH’s and Heavy Metals in the Urban Environment of New Orleans

The purpose of the current program is to apply findings from previous EHTRP research and its impact on public health. Research findings will provide critical information necessary to address national environmental concerns, support efforts to eliminate racial and/or ethnic disparities in health and help achieve the Federal government’s goals in environmental justice.

Periodic updates on the progress of the research being conducted will be published here.

Why More Minorities are Needed in Health Care