Case Studies in Environmental Toxicology: Chronic Effects

The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Chronic Effects and Toxicity of Contaminants to Organisms
in Aquatic and Marine Systems
Case Studies in Environmental Toxicology
Course ID: ETOX-420
May 31, 2008, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. (Saturday)
NWETC Headquarters - Seattle
650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98108

Instructor: Ruth M. Harper, Ph.D.

Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog
Course brochure PDF

Description: The emphasis of this class is on the toxicity of contaminants to organisms in aquatic and marine systems. In the recent history of environmental toxicology, the understanding of the potential for non-lethal effects to low levels, environmentally realistic concentrations, of contaminants has increased. This has resulted in a focused assessment of what effects to look for, how these effects occur, and what contaminants cause the effects and at what concentrations.

These sublethal effects can decrease the fitness of exposed populations, and are an important component to consider when contaminant exposures are possible. Four general categories of sublethal effects will be discussed using examples from the literature and government documents. Discussions on controlled studies will be used to help guide an understanding of the modes through which effects occur and field studies will be discussed as they contribute to our understanding of these effects.

Course Topics:

Behavioral Effects	Immunotoxicity
Reproductive Effects	Endocrine Disruption

Direct and indirect effects will also be included in course material.

About the instructor: Ruth Harper is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in the Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University. She has worked on projects ranging from genetically based tolerance to pollutant exposure in marine systems with the NOAA Ecotoxicology Branch, CCHEBR, development of groundwater WET tests with photoactive pollutants with the Washington State DOE, and metal contamination and effects in mining systems in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia with agencies that include the USGS and USEPA.

Prerequisites: ETOX-410 recommended but not required.

Course Materials: All participants will receive a binder containing course proceedings, references, and resources.

Credit: 0.7 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug and water bottle (to reduce waste).

Registration: $250 (*$195 reduced tuition available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.