Epidemiology
Epidemiological research at IOM is led by Dr Brian Miller. The purpose of epidemiology is to provide reliable information about health effects and risks. This information can help address the concerns of industry and the public, and provides a scientific basis for measures to limit disease.
The Pneumoconiosis Field Research of the UK coal industry was, we believe, the biggest integrated programme of occupational epidemiology ever undertaken, with a team-working approach combining all the IOM's skills in the necessary scientific disciplines and in project leadership. These skills have since been applied to investigate health effects of other hazards, including organic and inorganic dusts, fibres, volcanic ash, fumes, chemicals, noise and unsafe working practices. A constant theme has been reliable exposure estimation.
Types of studies that we undertake include the following:
- longitudinal, cross-sectional and case-control epidemiological studies;
- review and meta-analysis of other epidemiological studies;
- Health Impact Assessment of environmental air pollution and other agents. (See IOMLIFET calculation tool)
Some current and recent studies are given below. This is a list of primary studies together with reviews and use of epidemiology in health impact assessment:
| Study | Sponsor |
|---|---|
| Pilot study of risks and long-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning | UK Dept of Health |
| EDPHiS - Environmental Determinants of Public Health in Scotland | Scottish Government (RERAD) |
| EXIOPOL - Using externality data and input-output tools for policy analysis | European Commission |
| HEIMTSA - Health and Environment Integrated Methodology and Toolbox for Scenario Assessment | European Commission |
| Task-exposure matrix for pesticides in a study of Parkinson's disease (TEMPEST) | University of Aberdeen / UK Dept of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
| Mortality over an extended follow-up period in coal workers exposed to respirable dust and quartz | Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Germany (BAuA) |
| Pesticides and prostate cancer | UK Dept of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
| Case control study of individuals with asthma and chronic bronchitis related to work | UK Health and Safety Executive |
| Development of life table methods for health impact assessment | UK Dept of Health |
| Bar workers' health and environmental tobacco smoke exposure (BHETSE) | UK National Health Service / University of Aberdeen |