Epidemiologists at Cardno ChemRisk design, conduct, interpret and publish epidemiological studies evaluating complex relationships between chemical, physical, and biological exposures – as well as workplace, environmental, and social factors - and human health outcomes. Our team includes epidemiologists and biostatisticians skilled in data management, statistical methodology, and geospatial analyses. We also are experienced in mixed methods research, utilizing survey development and analysis to comprehensively respond to clients’ scientific questions. Additionally, our scientists are proficient in designing and evaluating medical surveillance programs, helping clients to detect and prevent occupational illnesses and injuries.

We specialize in critically assessing epidemiological research in order to evaluate potential causal associations, and integrating scientific evidence in order to evaluate and inform science-based regulatory and policy decision making. Our epidemiologists are experts in the practical application of scientific concepts and methods to evaluate occupational and environmental risks in the context of social, cultural, and economic differences, allowing our team to offer pragmatic, real-world solutions to address each client’s unique needs. We are adept at strengthening our clients’ risk mitigation strategies and sustainability efforts by providing rigorous health impact assessments, and systematically evaluating public health programs and policies.

Projects Example: Epidemiologic Study of Asthma and Superglue

Project Overview: Cardno ChemRisk was retained by an adhesives manufacturer to assess the association between asthma and occupational exposure to methyl cyanoacrylate (MCA) and ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA), components in superglue.  The manufacturer was responding to employee concerns regarding recent diagnoses of asthma.

Our Approach: Cardno ChemRisk scientists performed an epidemiological study, reviewing employee medical records and occupational histories covering a period of about 17 years for 450 employees at an adhesive production facility.  Additionally, we reviewed air sampling data to determine if potentially hazardous levels of MCA and ECA were present at the site.  Cardno ChemRisk conducted a cohort analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model and a case-control analysis that compared “suspected cases” of asthma to those whose pulmonary function tests (PFTs) remained within normal limits throughout their employment. Our analysis showed no evidence of an association between short-term or peak exposures to MCA or ECA and an increased risk of pulmonary obstruction.  However, results suggested that persons occupationally exposed to cyanoacrylates were more likely to have reversible eye or upper airway irritation than persons who were unexposed.

Our Value: Through a thorough epidemiological investigation and exposure assessment, Cardno ChemRisk was able to reassure the manufacturer and its employees that MCA and ECA exposures in the workplace were not associated with asthma among workers.  This epidemiologic study was the first to investigate the adverse respiratory effects of occupational exposure to either MCA or ECA in which the findings were peer-reviewed and published.