Health and Environmental Risk Division

Health and Environmental Risk Division HP

Director

Director of Health and Environmental Risk Division
YAMAMOTO Hiroshi

Greetings

As we pursue a healthier and more comfortable life (“well‑being”), new high‑function chemicals continue to be developed. At the same time, society is shifting from mass production and mass consumption to producing many types of chemicals in smaller quantities. This makes it increasingly difficult to grasp the full picture of chemical pollution.

While traditional concerns—such as heavy metals like mercury, airborne particles, pesticides, and surfactants—remain important, new issues that span across multiple environmental media such as air, water, and soil have also emerged. Examples include:

PFAS (Per‑ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), a group of more than 10,000 chemicals;
Plastics, tires, and their degradation products, which we use in enormous quantities;
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused by disinfectants and antibacterial agents.

All of these raise concerns for both human health and ecosystems.
Thanks to advances in analytical instruments, we can now detect extremely low concentrations of many chemicals. Yet each chemical has different types of hazards. In particular, many substances can disrupt biological systems such as the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems even at very low concentrations. At the same time, increasing restrictions on animal testing—driven by animal‑welfare considerations—make it more challenging to obtain toxicity data.

In response to these global challenges, international efforts have accelerated. In 2023, the United Nations adopted the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), a new global structure for chemical management. In addition, following the IPCC (climate change) and IPBES (biodiversity), a new Intergovernmental Science–Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP‑CWP) was established in 2025. These initiatives highlight the growing importance of using scientific evidence to support policy decisions in chemical safety.

To address these emerging challenges, the Health and Environmental Safety Research Domain is launching a new initiative under its 6th Medium‑ to Long‑Term Plan, starting in fiscal year 2026. In addition to fundamental and foundational research, the program will advance policy‑oriented studies through the newly established Research Center for Environmental Regulatory Science, which works in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and international organizations to help translate scientific knowledge into real‑world policy solutions. Within this framework, the program operates the Safety Assurance Research Area, jointly implemented with the Regional Environmental Conservation Division.

This research area also plays a key role in the Health and Environmental Safety Research Project, which focuses on developing hazard‑assessment methods that respect animal welfare and on evaluating the hazards and risks of chemical substances that are unknown, poorly understood, or not yet regulated. Through these efforts, the program aims to support society in managing chemical risks more effectively and responsibly, while ensuring that scientific evidence is appropriately reflected in future environmental policies.

In addition, our program plays a central role in a cross‑cutting research initiative titled “Research Program for the Comprehensive Assessment and Solutions of Emerging Human and Ecosystem Threats from Cross Media Environmental Pollution”, which aims to comprehensively understand and address new threats to humans and ecosystems arising from environmental pollution that spans multiple media—such as water, air, and soil—including PFAS, plastics, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We also participate in the research program “Implementing and Expanding Nature‑based Solutions (NbS)”, which promotes the use of natural processes and ecosystems to support environmental management and sustainable development.

Furthermore, several key research facilities that support environmental science through the development of (certified) reference materials and advanced measurement technologies are also part of this program. These include the “Center for Environmental Standards and Measurement”, the Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, which plays a central role in the Ministry of the Environment’s nationwide “Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS),” and the “Wako Branch Office” for drinking water quality research, which will be transferred from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in fiscal year 2025 to strengthen research on drinking‑water safety. Working together as an integrated system, these centers will continue to advance research that contributes to public safety, well‑being, and the protection of ecosystems.

Outline of Research

Contributing to the reduction of health and environmental risk to human health and ecosystems to assure environmental safety

We clarify the environmental risk for human health and ecosystems posed by environmental pollutants and other risk factors to assure environmental safety. In addition, we conduct the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) in order to investigate environmental impacts on children’s health and development. JECS is lead by the JECS Programme Office situated under this division.

Center for Environmental Standards and Measurement
We produce and provide environmental reference materials conforming to international standards to ensure the accuracy management of measurements that form the foundation of environmental research. We also advance the systematic collection and long-term preservation of environmental samples. Furthermore, we develop methodologies to maintain and improve measurement accuracy.

JECS Programme Office
https://www.nies.go.jp/risk_health/english/jecs-e.html

Wako Branch Office
To ensure safe and high-quality tap water, we conduct research and studies of analytical methods, treatment technologies and water quality management practices across the entire process—from the water source through purification and distribution to the tap.

Research Center for Environmental Regulatory Science
To enhance risk assessment and management of chemical substances, it is necessary to develop toxicity tests that take into account vulnerable populations and life‑history traits, as well as to establish comprehensive analytical techniques for emerging chemicals and substances that are difficult to measure. This includes advancing analytical methods, environmental fate analysis, and exposure assessment. Accordingly, the Center will promote the international and domestic standardization of test methods, analytical techniques, and risk‑assessment procedures—such as ISO standards and OECD Test Guidelines—and will contribute to global initiatives including the Intergovernmental Science–Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP‑CWP), the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), and various environmental chemical‑monitoring and analytical quality‑assurance activities.
Furthermore, the Center will serve as a platform for coordinating and accelerating regulatory‑science research related to environmental issues. This will be achieved by facilitating information exchange and collaboration with governmental bodies such as the Ministry of the Environment, international organizations including the OECD and United Nations, testing institutions, and local governments.

Figure: Outline of Research for Health and Environmental Risk Division

Organization

Ecological Impact Assessment Research Section
We conduct advanced research aimed at elucidating the mechanisms and causal pathways by which chemical substances and other environmental stressors affect organisms and ecosystems. This work integrates field investigations in coastal ecosystems—such as semi‑enclosed inner bays—and riverine environments, with controlled laboratory experiments spanning molecular, cellular, physiological, and whole‑organism levels. In addition, we apply quantitative modeling approaches, including ecotoxicological models, population dynamics models, and environmental fate and transport models, to comprehensively assess ecological impacts and to disentangle the underlying biological and ecological processes.
Environmental Exposure and Effect Research Section
The Environmental Exposure and Effect Research Section develops methods for understanding and predicting environmental exposure to and effects of chemical substances.
Strategic Risk Management Research Section
We help to systematically manage the risks to health and the environment by chemicals and other risk factors. The study topics include the occurrence and fate of chemicals, emission and exposure modeling, bioaccumulation, and comprehensive risk assessment.
Exposure and Health Effects Section
We develop characterization technologies for environmental pollutants and evaluate their health impacts on the respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, and nervous systems, including effects on future generations. Through integrated research from exposure science to health outcomes, we identify hazardous environmental factors and contribute to the prevention and mitigation of health risks.
Molecular Pathology Section
The Molecular Pathology Section provides scientific knowledge that contributes to health risk assessments by evaluating the effects of environmental factors such as chemical contaminants on the onset and progression of diseases and their molecular mechanisms.
Exposure Dynamics Research Section
The research in this section focuses on measuring and estimating lifetime exposures to environmental stressors that may cause adverse health effects in humans. These environmental stressors include chemical substances, the physical environment, and diet, as well as socio-economic status and the built environment.
Environmental Epidemiology Section
The Environmental Epidemiology Section conducts epidemiological surveys and other research to clarify the effects of environmental pollutants and environmental factors on health and provides knowledge that contributes to health impact assessments and health hazard prevention policies.
Research Office for Environmental Risk Science
The Research Office for Environmental Risk Science provides domestic leadership for the promotion of regulatory science based on the latest scientific knowledge. The Office also aims to implement environmental risk science into environmental policy in Japan through the implementation of environmental risk assessment projects, the development of ecotoxicity test methods, and the international standardization and public outreach to these activities.

Center for Environmental Standards and Measurement

We produce and provide environmental reference materials, advance the systematic collection and long-term preservation of environmental samples and develop methodologies to maintain and improve measurement accuracy.

Environmental Standards Section
We are contributing to the realization of quality control by producing and distributing certified reference materials. Environmental samples are systematically collected, homogenized, and stored for long periods for future chemical analysis.
Environmental Measurement and Analysis Section
We believe that producing primary data through original experiments and observations is one of our advantages. We provide high-quality environmental measurement data and develop and apply observation, measurement, and analysis methods to maintain and improve measurement accuracy.

Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office

Provides core administrative and technical support for the conduct of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS).

Wako Branch Office

To ensure safe and high-quality tap water, we conduct research and studies of analytical methods, treatment technologies and water quality management practices across the entire process—from the water source through purification and distribution to the tap.

Center for Environmental Regulatory Science（CERS）

To enhance risk assessment and management of chemical substances, it is necessary to develop toxicity tests that take into account vulnerable populations and life‑history traits, as well as to establish comprehensive analytical techniques for emerging chemicals and substances that are difficult to measure. This includes advancing analytical methods, environmental fate analysis, and exposure assessment. Accordingly, the Center will promote the international and domestic standardization of test methods, analytical techniques, and risk‑assessment procedures—such as ISO standards and OECD Test Guidelines—and will contribute to global initiatives including the Intergovernmental Science–Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP‑CWP), the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), and various environmental chemical‑monitoring and analytical quality‑assurance activities. Furthermore, the Center will serve as a platform for coordinating and accelerating regulatory‑science research related to environmental issues. This will be achieved by facilitating information exchange and collaboration with governmental bodies such as the Ministry of the Environment, international organizations including the OECD and United Nations, testing institutions, and local governments.

Research Staff

Research Staff - Health and Environmental Risk Division

Database / Tool

KATE
KATE (KAshinhou^(*) Tool for Ecotoxicity) is an ecotoxicity prediction system that consists of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models. KATE is being developed with the aim of predicting acute and chronic toxicity to fish, daphnia, and algae.^(*)Chemical Substance Control Law in Japanese
A-TERAM
The impact of chemicals on the ecosystem has been measured in ecotoxicity studies using typical aquatic species of the three trophic levels, i.e., algae (phytoplankton), daphnia, and fish (e. g. medaka fish). A-TERAM aims to more accurately evaluate the effects on the ecosystem by incorporating ecological factors such as the life history of these species and the ecological interactions between species into the model.
Compendium of Reference Materials on the Basis for Establishment of Environmental Quality Standards in Japan (EQS Basis)
The environmental quality standards (EQSs) are established and revised by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan. This website compiles references regarding the establishment and revision of EQSs and related items.