U of M | SPH | Jolliet Lab - Impact and Risk Modeling (iMod)

The Impact and Risk Modeling (iMod) laboratory aims to provide the scientific knowledge for assessing environmental risks and impacts of chemicals and of innovative technologies, in order to: (1) Model population-based exposure and multi-pathways intake fractions for outdoor and indoor chemical emissions (2) Assess individual and population body burdens and risks using physiologically based pharmacokinetic/dynamic models (3) Assess the life cycle risks, impacts and benefits of new technologies and materials in order to prevent emissions, guide the design of sustainable systems and support the development of strategies for socially responsible investments.

Research Areas

Risk Modelling and Multimedia Models.

Creation of an adaptive multimedia model determining intake fractions at local, regional and continental levels. Special emphasis is given to develop modeling of exposure in the food chain and through food import-export. Specific efforts include the creation of a spatialized North-American multi-media model, a Great Lakes model applied to PAHs, an intercontinental model to analyze global trade impacts.. >> more

Physiologically Based ToxicoKinetic Modelling.

Intake fraction is being extended consistently to a new metric accounting for uptake and transport within the body, coupling multi-media model with physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK). The modeling relates emissions sources to concentration in organs, enabling us to compare these with e.g. NHANES biomarker measurements. The approach is especially suited to explain changes of biomarker concentration.. >> more

Life Cycle Assessment.

Our laboratory is actively involved in the UNEP-SETAC Life Cycle Initiative, especially focusing on uncertainty calculations and on the Life Cycle impacts of chemicals. Publications includes the comparative assessment of toxic impacts on human health and ecosystems, the applications of USEtox, the UNEP-SETAC model for toxicity assessment and the characterization of human health impacts of Aluminium.. >> more

Risk Modelling and Multimedia Models. Creation of an adaptive multimedia model determining intake fractions at local, regional and continental levels. Special emphasis is given to develop modeling of exposure in the food chain and through food import-export. Specific efforts include the creation of a spatialized North-American multi-media model, a Great Lakes model applied to PAHs, an intercontinental model to analyze global trade impacts.. >> more
Physiologically Based ToxicoKinetic Modelling. Intake fraction is being extended consistently to a new metric accounting for uptake and transport within the body, coupling multi-media model with physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK). The modeling relates emissions sources to concentration in organs, enabling us to compare these with e.g. NHANES biomarker measurements. The approach is especially suited to explain changes of biomarker concentration.. >> more
Life Cycle Assessment. Our laboratory is actively involved in the UNEP-SETAC Life Cycle Initiative, especially focusing on uncertainty calculations and on the Life Cycle impacts of chemicals. Publications includes the comparative assessment of toxic impacts on human health and ecosystems, the applications of USEtox, the UNEP-SETAC model for toxicity assessment and the characterization of human health impacts of Aluminium.. >> more