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The Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center
(SCEHSC) performs collaborative and comprehensive research
on environmental health issues affecting the region.
Funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health
Sciences, the Center is a joint program of USC and UCLA faculty.
Researchers use epidemiological methods to study the effects
of the environment on human health. SCEHSC researchers focus
primarily on the health of the multiethnic populations of
California and the Pacific Rim.
A major part of the Center’s mission is to advance the
field of environmental health sciences. The Center supports
pilot projects, maintains an active community outreach and
education program, and publicizes its research findings to
facilitate an informed public dialogue and, ultimately, improved
public policies.
Center researchers study how environmental factors affect
health and how personal factors may modify the body’s
response to the environment.
Working in five separate research groups, Center members
look at a wide variety of environmental exposures—from
hazards such as the amount of arsenic in drinking water to
air pollution and its components—in relation to diseases
such as asthma and cancer. Recognizing the importance of genetic
factors, most groups also incorporate molecular biology and
genetic approaches into their investigations.
Other SCEHSC research groups focus on developing new study
designs and methodology—statistical and exposure monitoring
techniques—to improve the accuracy and relevance of the
studies undertaken.
Beyond its core research projects, the SCEHSC provides key
research support services to all members through its facility
cores. These shared resources include support in molecular
biology and sample processing, biostatistics, analytical chemistry,
exposure assessment and aerosol science and cores.
For more information please visit the following dedicated
Web sites:
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