Search Results (18)
Study of inconsistencies in health risk assessment: the role of assessment context in decision analysis aimed at their reduction
The area of risk assessment continues to be challenged by foundational issues that limit its potential to inform public health decisions. This doctoral work improves our understanding of the interaction between science and public and environmental health policy by addressing specific challenges in risk assessment within and for decision-making. The …
Investigating the early molecular events following exposure of lung cells to nanoparticles using advanced optical microscopies
The potential toxicity of nanoparticles in our environment and consumer products is currently determined by costly and timely animal-based testing, which limits the rate of nanoparticle testing, causing a desperate need for alternative testing strategies. A promising alternative – mechanism-based prediction – employs a set of high-throughput cell-based tests that …
Diversity of viruses infecting tomato and weed plants in agroecosystems
Viruses, satellite viruses, viroids, virusoids, and satellite nucleic acids (herewith, referred to collectively or in part as ‘viruses’) comprise the virosphere and are perhaps the most diverse and abundant, yet still under-sampled, microbes on Earth. They are primarily regarded as pathogens or parasites of their eukaryotic or prokaryotic hosts. In …
Targeted analysis of organic contaminants, exposure assessment, and vulnerability of populations to hazardous compounds
From the moment of conception until death, humans are exposed to chemicals at varying intensities and frequencies. While an individual’s level of resilience is commonly high enough to tolerate these kinds of stressors, specific exposures or genetic predispositions can lower it. Therefore, the assessment of chemical exposure, the development of …
Development of novel 3D in vitro cell models for genotoxicity assessment
The determination of genotoxicity is an important element in the safety assessment of various substances, with the purpose of preventing a number of chemicals from affecting human health. Genotoxicity testing is required for all classes of chemicals, drugs and biological agents, which can lead to a wide range of diseases, …
Radon as a tool in geophysical research
Radon (222Rn, half-life 3.82 days) is a natural radioactive noble gas which originates from the radioactive decay of radium (226Ra) in the Earth's crust. It is a known hazard to humans, due to its radioactivity. Moreover, radon can also be used as a versatile tool in geophysical research. In order …
Effect of coupling between external factors and building materials' properties on living conditions deterioration in low-energy buildings
Buildings are complex systems as external factors are linked to, and have an effect on the characteristics of a building. In this dissertation, the focus is on the connection between external factors and the building’s characteristics, which have an impact on the living conditions, durability and energy efficiency of a …
Occurrence, fate and removal of pharmaceutical residues in water treatment
The presence of pharmaceutical residues in surface waters is an emerging environmental issue that provides a new challenge to treatment systems for potable water, wastewater and water reuse. Their principle pathways into the sewerage system are twofold: first, after being administered to patients they are normally excreted as various metabolites …