Flame retardants are found throughout the built environment in furniture, mattresses, carpeting, electronics, vehicles and more. The chemicals are added to the products and are not bound in the material, which causes them to be released into indoor environments.
Dr. Viktor Bovbjerg Recognized as First Honors College Margaret and Thomas Meehan Eminent Mentor
Newborns born in water were no more likely to experience low Apgar scores, require transfer to the hospital after birth or be hospitalized in their first six weeks of life, than newborns who were not born in water.
The researchers are investigating the possibility that arsenic may compromise the immune system in utero, leading to a lifetime of increased risk for infectious disease. They are also studying whether arsenic exposure may also make vaccinations less effective.
In the Pacific Northwest, human health is likely to take a hit from drought, wildfires, heat waves and infectious diseases.
“A large portion of my research uses spatial exposure assessment methods to determine the health effects associated with exposure to air pollution, ranging from adverse birth outcomes to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases to cancers,” says Assistant Professor Perry Hystad.