Reddam and Volz' Research on Organophosphate Flame Retardants Highlighted

Recent research by Alli Reddam, former graduate student, Prof. Dave Volz, an ETOX faculty member, and their collaborators on organophosphate ester flame retardants has been highlighted in UCR News.  Their previous work showed that occupants of cars were exposed to significant levels of OP flame retardants while commuting.  The current study investigated whether wiping the front interior of the car would reduce exposure to the flame retardants.  Somewhat surprisingly, their research showed that a partial cleaning of the car's interior did not significantly reduce exposure.  Either a more thorough cleaning or wearing a face covering may be needed to reduce exposure.  Our congratulations to Alli and Dave for this recognition of their work.  

Research Identifying Oxidative Components Contributing to Vaping-linked Lung Injury Highlighted

The research of ETOX graduate students Alexa Canchola, Sabbir Ahmed, and Jin Chen and their advisor, Professor Ying-Hsuan Lin has been recognized by the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology as one of its most popular recent articles.  The study describes the formation of duroquinone, a redox-active compound, from Vitamin E acetate, a component of vaping fluids, and demonstrates that the vaping emissions produce oxidative stress in cellular and acellular systems, which may contribute to lung damage in those that vape.  The article can be accessed here. Our congratulations to Alexa, Sabbir, Jin and Ling-Hsuan for this nice recognition of their work.