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About Our Research Group
About Our Research Group
The Environmental and Occupational Physiology (EOP) research group, led by Dr. Caroline Smith, examines physiological responses to environmental stressors, with a focus on heat and pollution-related exposures. Current research projects focus on: 1) contaminant absorption through the skin in firefighters, and 2) heat-related illness and injury in occupational workers. The EOP research groups is housed in the Environmental Physiology Lab and the environmental chamber in Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences at Appalachian State University.
PI: Dr. Caroline J. Smith
Microdialysis
Microdialysis
We insert small catheters into the skin to measure chemicals that have absorbed through the skin. This is important for understanding the skin as an exposure route, for example in occupaitonal workers.
Dermal Absorption in Firefighters
Dermal Absorption in Firefighters
Firefighters are exposed to many stressors, including heat, dehydration, heavy workloads, and contaminants. Our current research aims to understand the extent of dermal absorption of different chemicals and the role of the skin as a major exposure route. This is important for informing PPE development and decontamination procedures.
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