Epidemiology is defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of disease, disability and injury within human populations.
The goals of the epidemiologist are to identify the factors or agents that are linked with objectively measured patterns of harm; to advance and evaluate methods of disease prevention; and to aid in planning and evaluation of the effectiveness of programs that advance public health.
The results of epidemiological research have had a great influence on clinical medicine. Current faculty research undertaken in the Division is wide ranging and includes health effects related to exposures to lead, arsenic, manganese, mercury, solvents, fuels, pesticides, organochlorines and other persistent organic pollutants, fibers, radiation, nutritional and lifestyle factors, alcohol and illicit drugs, and work-related ergonomic disorders. The health outcomes being studied include: allergy, asthma, reproductive, hormone, many types of cancer, genetics of complex diseases, growth and development, neurological and psychiatric disorders, pulmonary disease, injuries, stroke, heart disease, bone health, mortality and exposure body burden.