Northeast Regional Environmental Public Health Center (NREPHC)

Established in 1985 by the Commissioners of Public Health from the 7 Northeastern states, the Northeast Regional Environmental Public Health Center's (NREPHC) mission is to provide education and training, conduct research and make available consultative assistance in the environmental health arena. The Center's clientele was expanded in the early 90's to include the state environmental departments of protection as well as the private sector. The Center focuses on regional issues of national importance, namely the analysis, assessment and remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater, and the biological effects of low levels of exposure. The Center has partnered with various organizations including state and federal regulatory agencies; the railroad, petroleum, transportation, chemical and utility industries; and academe to conduct an annual Contaminated Soils and Water Conference since 1985. The conference is recognized for its strong scientific content and renowned technical information exchange activities and has attracted over 7000 participants. NREPHC is also one to the Biological Effect of Low Levels of Exposure (BELLE) initiative which encompasses does-response relationships to toxic agents, pharmaceuticals, and natural products over a wide range of exposure levels in test systems and human populations. Dr. Edward Calabrese serves as the Center's Director.