Developing innovative answers to health and safety challenges
At Noblis, we use the best of science, technology and strategy for the best of reasons—to serve the public good. Our work in toxicology and risk assessment is directly linked to our nation’s ability to keep people safe and healthy. As such, we advocate early, proactive evaluation of potential risk issues associated with substances that find their way into our environment, medicines and food.
One reason the biomedical community regards the Noblis toxicology team as a top flight resource is our ability to offer critical analyses and truly objective evaluations. Our work with government agencies, law firms, industrial clients and other organizations is guided by the highest standards of excellence, objectivity and integrity.
We comprehensively evaluate potential health and safety issues, and the results are interpreted with professional expertise that addresses the difficult question of whether and how health effects observed in experimental models can be extrapolated to humans.
Another great strength of our toxicology team is the unusually deep bench strength of accomplished, experienced thought leaders and subject matter experts assigned to each project. Noblis toxicologists average more than 25 years of experience in toxicology and risk assessment. In addition, every team leader holds a doctorate degree in one of the biological or chemical sciences.
We specialize in providing assessments of risk, data quality assurance, and litigation support and are particularly well-qualified in the areas of:
- Acute toxicity
- Carcinogenesis/chronic toxicity
- Mechanistic toxicology
- Reproductive and developmental toxicology
- Inhalation toxicology
- Environmental toxicology
- All aspects of hazard identification and risk assessment
We are proud to say that our published research findings have contributed significantly to the mechanistic understanding of cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, immune disease, oxidant damage/antioxidant protection and inhalation toxicity of metals and oxidants.
Some additional examples of Noblis work in the areas of toxicology and risk assessment are further discussed below. As Noblis moves forward in scientific contributions to these important fields, we continue to be proactive in the evaluation of potential risk issues and toxicological studies that can affect our nation.
Abestos in soil - risk assessment
Noblis developed a sampling, analysis, and risk assessment methodology that can be used to evaluate the potential health risk associated with asbestos debris and fibers in soil. Noblis has assisted in the identification and engagement of national asbestos experts, work plan development, field sampling and analysis, and application of risk assessment methodologies.
Human health and ecological risk assessment, communication, and management
Noblis provided expertise in human health risk assessment to an Air Force base in the Pacific. As a result, the Air Force saved approximately $3M in unnecessary remediation cost based on re-analysis of the potential site risk and cleanup standards that had been applied. The regulator agreed with Noblis’ analyses and recommendations.
Noblis has facilitated the development of decision criteria and data requirements to determine the need for remediation. A methodology was developed to evaluate risks to threatened and endangered species at a Florida-based Air Station.
Noblis experts have developed and taught courses on risk assessment and toxicology for clients such as the Air Force, the Bureau of Land Management, and other federal agencies.
Soil vapor intrusion guidance
Noblis has developed vapor intrusion guidance documents for the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. In addition, Noblis has reviewed work plans, remedial investigation reports, and vapor intrusion risk assessments at a number of Air Force bases. Noblis served as a member of the vapor intrusion committee of the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council on behalf of the Air Force.
Emerging chemicals of concern
Noblis is providing technical and regulatory expertise to assist in the design, establishment, and operation of the DoD Emerging Contaminants Program. This effort includes the development and monitoring of changes in the regulatory status of emerging contaminants, guidelines for establishing interim “Levels of Concern” for emerging chemicals, and multi-faceted risk profiles of emerging chemicals.
Noblis toxicologists and engineers are providing technical support to the Air Force on a number of emerging contaminants, including characterization of the potential mission impacts of revised regulations on naphthalene, perchloroethylene, TCE, and sulfur hexafluoride.
Op-Ed on Emerging Contaminants and Climate Change
State and Federal Responses to Emerging Contaminants