New Method Developed to Measure Third-hand Smoke in Common Household Fabrics

Terry cloth exposed to tobacco smoke for various periods of time, and the THS levels recovered. [Photos from Pozuelos et al. (2021) International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18:3592)]

Giovanna Pozuelos, a CMDB graduate student, Ester Omaiye, an ETOX graduate student, Prof. Prue Talbot, an ETOX faculty member and their collaborators have developed a method to allow levels of third-hand smoke (THS) components on common indoor fabrics to be rapidly assessed.  Their method should facilitate the identification of repositories of THS contaminants within homes and improve clean-up.  The work was recently highlighted in UCR News.  More information can be found here.  Our congratulations to Giovanna, Prue, Ester and their team for developing this new method.  

Risk Assessor - Toxicologist Position in Montana

The Montana State Department of Environmental Quality is looking for a Risk Assessor - Toxicologist.  As described on its website, "This position reviews and assesses risks to human health and the environment from exposure to contaminants at contaminated sites regulated by DEQ. At the Department of Environmental Quality, our ultimate goal is to protect public health and to maintain Montana’s high quality of life for current and future generations".  More information can be found here.  Again, our thanks for Patrick Wilson, EPA toxicologist and UCR alumnus, for forwarding the information.  

Toxicology and Risk Assessment Position at EPA in Chicago

The US Environmental Protection Agency is looking for a toxicologist to review and perform human health risk assessments as well as other tasks in its Chicago office.  The position is open to US citizens.  More information can be found here.  Our thanks to Patrick Wilson, EPA toxicologist and UCR alumnus for forwarding the information.  

Research on the Newest Generation of eCigarettes is Highlighted

The research of ETOX PhD student Ester Omaiye, ETOX alumna Dr. Monique Williams and ETOX Professor Prue Talbot on the 4th generation of eCigarette devices has recently been published and also highlighted in UCR News.  Their work has shown that the atomizers and other components of these devices contain a variety of metals such as nickel, chromium and iron which can be migrate into the e-fluids or aerosols, raising concerns about potential hazardous effects that may affect e-cigarette users.  Our congratulations to Ester, Monique and Prue for this recognition of their work.  [The photo above is from their PlosOne article at the above link.]