Chemical Insights Research Institute Commits to Public Health Research With the Opening of New Laboratories

ATLANTA (Jan. 11, 2024) – Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) of UL Research Institutes (ULRI) confirmed its commitment to protecting environmental and human health when it opened its new research laboratories supporting scientific studies of environmental exposure and its societal health impact. At a ribbon cutting today, CIRI introduced the Center for Exposure Science; the Center for Toxicology and Human Health; and the Center for Advanced Measurements, each with a designated, cutting-edge laboratory.

Using the latest tools for measuring nanosized particles and parts per billion levels of chemicals and developing high-throughput cellular techniques for measuring human toxicity, these Science Centers are on the frontlines of investigating chemicals in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we interact with every day, and measuring their impact on human health.

CIRI’s staff of more than two dozen research scientists, educators, and communicators are tackling critical issues on emerging environmental health threats facing people and the planet today. Its work provides people around the world with objective research and knowledge for improved practices, innovative product design, and changes that enable safer products and healthier environments.

“The opening of these laboratories comes at a critical moment in environmental history,” said Marilyn Black, Ph.D., vice president and senior technical and strategic advisor at CIRI. “Wildfires striking in urban interface areas with increased frequencies in places like Hawaii and Canada; 3D printers growing in popularity in school systems with unknown health consequences; and building materials impacting the built environment and occupant health as infrastructure is climate challenged, are among the primary concerns for our scientists.”

CIRI combines the best minds with rigorous scientific research and a commitment to thorough and accurate research studies. Partnering with renowned research institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Duke, Harvard, Emory, and other universities, helps to expand CIRI’s research platform for knowledge. Evolving from its research findings, CIRI shares scientific insights in actionable ways so educators, manufacturers, healthcare providers, consumers, and policy makers can make informed environmental health decisions and extend lives.

“This is a proud moment for UL Research Institutes,” said Chris Cramer, Ph.D., interim president and chief research officer at ULRI. “CIRI’s work is terrifically influential and has improved public health globally. Every day, CIRI plays a critical role as we address our grand challenge commitments to build resilience for a sustainable future and improve individual and societal health in the 21st century.”

CIRI’s current research includes environmental and public health impacts associated with:

• Wildfires
• Climate change and building infrastructure
• PFAS, flame retardant, and other chemical exposures
• Global indoor and outdoor air pollution
• Health resiliency and vulnerable populations
• 3D printing
• E-cigarettes and vaping

About Chemical Insights Research Institute

Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) of UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research, publication, education, and communication on environmental exposures resulting from technologies and practices, their impact on human health, and processes for reducing health risks. CIRI provides actionable data and resources to help manufacturers, educators, healthcare providers, and consumers make informed environmental health decisions and risk reduction strategies for the protection of human health.

For more information, please visit www.chemicalinsights.org.

About UL Research Institutes

UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, our research has advanced our mission toward a safer, more secure, and sustainable future. Focused on global risks from fire mitigation and air quality to safe energy storage and digital privacy, we conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data and partner with experts to uncover and act on existing and emerging risks to human safety.

Discover more at UL.org.

Contact

Bert Kelly
Chemical Insights Research Institute
UL Research Institutes
Bert.Kelly@ul.org
1-470-957-7854