Researcher and Associate Professor Irina Stepanov found that while e-cigarettes contain virtually no N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) — a chemical that can cause oral cavity and esophageal cancer — the chemical can form in an e-cigarette user’s body when they take in nicotine through e-cigarettes.
Environment/Exposures
9/11 Responders at Higher Risk for Asthma Compared to General Population
A new study from Assistant Professor Hyun Kim compared the health of 9/11 emergency responders to a national survey of people and found that they are at dramatically higher risk for developing asthma.
Nguyen Appointed to State Environmental Health Tracking Panel
Associate Professor Ruby Nguyen is serving as the University’s scientist representative on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Environmental Health Tracking and Biomonitoring Advisory Panel.
Weather Alerts Should Warn People with Specific Health Conditions
Research from PhD student Yang Liu recommends that temperature advisories include information about the potential harm to people with cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal diseases.
Plastic Particles Common in Tap Water, Beer, and Salt
A study by recent graduate Mary Kosuth (’17) found that 81 percent of tap water samples — and all tested brands of salt and beer — contained microplastic particles.
Tackling a Persistent Pollutant
Associate Professor Matt Simcik developed a process to keep hazardous PFCs — now called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) — from traveling through aquifers to drinking water sources and ecosystems.
Protecting Wild Rice from Sulfate Pollution
Lecturer Marta Shore helped perform research that shows how sulfate from wastewater harms Minnesota’s wild rice habitats.
Asthma Leading to Job Status Changes for 9/11 First-Responders
Research from Assistant Professor Hyun Kim shows that 9/11 first-responders with asthma have higher rates of disability and premature retirement.
MnTAP Partners with Minneapolis Businesses to Reduce Air Emissions
The school’s Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is helping North Minneapolis industrial businesses adopt less toxic, lower-emission degreasing solvents to reduce chemical exposures to workers and the community.
