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.

The Environmental Exposure and Effect Research Section develops methods for understanding and predicting environmental exposure to and effects of chemical substances.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.