ReseaRch Quality assuRance foR the futuRe a ... - Lund University

Panel 10 – medicine | Laboratory
for the corresponding research section with the exception of Occupational
and environmental hygiene, directs the sections. A Chief physician
and a Professor direct the Department.
2.6.2 Research activities
The research activities at the Division of Occupational and Environmental
Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund, are related to
5 main programs: Cancer, genotoxicity and impairment of reproductive
health by environmental agents; Respiratory disease caused by environmental
factors; Health effects of metals; Work-related musculoskeletal
disease; Behavioural medicine.
The Cancer, genotoxicity and reproduction program is run by the Section
of Epidemiology and Environmental Medicine and has focus on the
environmental agents for the emergence of malignant neoplasms and for
negative effects on reproductive health. Epidemiological techniques are
used in combination with biomarkers for internal dose, early biological
effects, and genetic susceptibility. Three areas are investigated: the dietary
source for persistent organohalogen compounds, such as e.g. PCB and
dioxins, in fatty fish from the Baltic Sea; association between occupational
exposure to mineral dust and colorectal cancer; impact of clonal
chromosomal aberrations in tumor cells and environmental risk factors
on the emergence of myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia
and other forms of leukaemia.
The area of Respiratory diseases is investigated by the Section of Airway
Disorders and has focus on human health implications of air pollution
and chemical residues in the environment. Among pollutants studied are
organohalogen compounds, phthalates, pesticides, and heavy metals as
well as nanoparticles. The pollutant exposure is quantified by mass spectrometry,
and biomarkers of effect are determined. Genetic susceptibility
is analysed. Health effects are determined in experimental settings,
medical examinations at workplaces or by epidemiological surveys and
register studies. The results have lead to recommendations for regulatory
purposes, i.e. occupational exposure limits, and dietary recommendations
from the Swedish National Food Administration.
The area of Health and metals is investigated by the Section on Environmental
analytical chemistry and has focus on the environmental exposure
to metals (mainly lead, mercury, cadmium, platinum, palladium and
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