Research Aims

The long term objectives of our research are (i) to further enhance knowledge of the exposure of wildlife and humans to chemical contaminants, (ii) to develop methods for measuring and assessing the exposure of wildlife and humans to commercial organic chemicals and (iii) to support industry and government initiatives regarding environmental stewardship of commercial chemicals.

Our research aims to address this challenge by developing better methods for identifying bioaccumulative substances (for categorization) and for assessing the degree of chemical exposure to humans and wildlife (for risk assessment). This research produces (i) benefits to wildlife and human health (by preventing or reducing the effects of harmful substances) and (ii) economic benefits (by avoiding costly remediation and by allowing harmless environmental-friendly compounds to reach markets). It further produces know-how for environmental consulting companies and supports Canadian policies aimed at minimizing the impact of globally produced chemicals on the Canadian environment. Our research also aims to improve risk assessment of chemicals in currently contaminated areas. With more than 2,000 contaminated sites in BC (BC Auditor General) and more than 10,000 in Canada (Office of the Auditor General) sound scientific methods are required to assess the exposure of wildlife & humans to chemical pollutants in support of remediation efforts. Developing, testing and applying these methods are the long term goals of our research.