We can evaluate Toxicology issues whether a toxic exposure was involved through exposure in industrial, commercial, or residential environments.

Ingestion of alcohol can result in impaired perception and coordination which can affect the ability to drive or result in falls and other accidents.  The BAC (when and how determined) and the likely effects of blood alcohol concentration in an individual can be interpreted by the expertise of a knowledgeable and experienced toxicologist.

Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, odorless gas emitted by gasoline or diesel powered motor vehicles and from tools, gas heaters, and cooking equipment that are powered by carbon-based fuels such as kerosene, propane and charcoal.  Unintentional exposure can result from failure to provide or use adequate ventilation.  Our experts are able to determine how and why an incident occurred that involved exposure to carbon based fuels.

Combustion Products from property fires not only include carbon monoxide, but other products of incomplete combustion.  This includes toxic aldehydes and oxides of nitrogen which can cause life threatening severe respiratory and cardiac toxicity, as well as possible delayed effects such as vocal cord dysfunction.

Lead exposure from water or from paint chips is increasingly in the news and blood lead levels in excess of 10ug/L may be associated with neurological effects.  Lead and other metals including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury can be assessed through biomonitoring.  CESI has expertise in the interpretation or misinterpretation of such data and can also advise on potential health risks where these metals are present.

Fibers and dusts can be toxic and carcinogenic depending in part on their chemical composition and surface chemistry, but also on the ability of the body to metabolize them. We can offer expertise on the effects of asbestos fibers, crystalline silica dusts, and wood dusts.

Molds are microorganisms that are found both indoors and outdoors.  Some can cause fungal allergies, respiratory infections, or aggravate existing illnesses such as asthma.  CESI experts have experience with testing for and assessing mold and mildew exposure.

For some noxious gases such as hydrogen sulfide (and carbon monoxide) there are no warning signs of lethal concentrations.  Others noxious gases such as ammonia, chlorine and formaldehyde emit odors and are high irritants that can cause serious injury.  Studies have shown that low concentrations of formaldehyde may cause cancer.  Our Toxicologist is able to review data and determine exposure.

These chemicals are commonly used by consumers to kill insects, rodents, germs, and bacteria and sometimes have adverse effects.  Toxicology can be used to assess if the levels are toxic and if the condition is a consequence of the use of these products.

Derived from crude oil these contain complex mixtures of hydrocarbons and range from gasoline and kerosene, automotive and industrial oils and cutting fluids, to solvents and chemical products such as polymers and plasticizers. Each of such groups has their own particular toxicities, which dependent on the degree and route of exposure, can range from irritation to long term effects including cancer.  Our toxicologist has extensive experience of the potential health effects of these materials including situations where co-exposures might have been involved.

Polymers such as plastics being generally of high molecular weight and insoluble are of low toxicity, but may contain residual chemicals such as phthalates, Bisphenol A, and degradation products. Some of these residual chemicals are toxic and because traces of these may leach out from the polymer, their application in food contact or child-related products may have been restricted by the United States and the European Union. The monomers used in the manufacture of the parent polymers such as styrene–butadiene rubber may be toxic and carcinogenic. Further information and evaluation can be provided by a toxicologist.