Environmental Health Sciences Research Division

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Environmental Health Sciences Research Division

Homepage: http://www.nies.go.jp/health/index-e.html

This Division is conducting research relating to the impacts on immune and nervous system functions from heavy metals such as cadmium and other pollutants such as dioxins and environmental hormones, as well as their impacts on reproductive functions that affect subsequent generations. In addition, it conducts research to elucidate the working mechanisms at the cellular and genetic levels.

In addition, it is conducting research using laboratory animals and cultivated cells, etc., in order to develop methodologies that can detect the impacts of these substances at as early a stage as possible.

Furthermore, epidemiological research is being conducted using human populations, such as health impact studies on exposure to particulate matter near roadways, and the health impacts of global environmental changes such as ozone depletion and global warming. Regarding air pollution, the Division is implementing field research in cities in Japan and China, focusing on estimating exposure amounts and the health impacts such as diseases of respiratory organs.

Assessing the toxicity of oxidants using epidermal alveoli model.

Dioxins can cause changes in T-lymphocyte differentiation. Shown is an example of a cultivated thymus cell using a flow cytometer that can detect two characteristics (CD4 and CD8) carried by individual lymphocytes. Image taken using fluorescent light produced with a laser.

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