Chemical Insights Research Institute
Understanding how chemical exposures affect human health, and how to reduce risks
Over 140,000 chemicals are used to make the products we use every day, but we only understand the health impact of approximately five percent.
There can be anywhere from 300 to 1,000 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air we breathe inside our homes and buildings. Many of these are known carcinogens or can be reproductive and neurodevelopment toxins, especially affecting our most vulnerable populations. Children are most sensitive to their effects because they breathe at a fast rate and have small bodies, hence they get higher doses of the chemicals per pound of body weight than adults.
Specially designed exposure chambers measure chemical emissions from 3D printers, down to parts per trillion (ppt) levels
Studies are underway on the emissions released by operating 3D printers. Based on research results that showed this to be a health risk from exposure to ultra fine particles and many VOCs such as formaldehyde and styrene, CIRI engaged key stakeholders in the creation of a National Standard, CAN/ANSI/UL2904, to limit the number of hazardous VOCs that could be released from operating printers.
Characterizing vape emissions resulting from the use of electronic cigarette devices
Using a specialized vaping robot in the exposure chambers, more than 100 different VOCs have been identified with indication that over 75 percent are likely depositing in the lungs.
Characterizing PFAS exposure associated with textiles
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently added to clothing and interior furnishing materials to make them water-, soil-, and stain-resistant. They are used so extensively that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 97 percent of the U.S. population has detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.
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