Areas of Expertise

Our services fall into the following major areas:

Toxicological Risk Assessment

The systematic review and critical evaluation of toxicological data to establish authoritative positions on potential human health hazards and risks is essential in any risk assessment procedure. This is a function that IEH Consulting scientists have routinely undertaken for several decades, and for which they are individually and collectively highly respected. In addition, IEH Consulting is able to draw on considerable experience and expertise in a number of specialist fields, meaning that we can offer advice and opinion and undertake project work in a number of key areas, including:

• Hazard identification and evaluation
• Occupational exposure assessment
• Human health risk assessment
• Independent opinion on toxicological pathology

Aspects of particular interest are:

• Substances and mixtures in multiple media including food, water, ambient air, industrial chemicals and consumer products
• Pesticides, biocides, veterinary and human pharmaceuticals
• Indoor and outdoor air quality, including dust, fibres and nanomaterials
• Pathological / histopathological changes resulting from exposure to toxic substances

Epidemiology and Statistics

IEH Consulting can draw on considerable scientific expertise in the fields of epidemiology and statistics gained from academia, government agencies and research councils. We are ideally placed to undertake epidemiological research and critical assessment services and to provide clients with clear explanations of the significance of scientific findings in relation to public and/or occupational health.

Particular areas of activity and interest relate to the health risks of posed by exposure to environmental and workplace chemicals, dusts and fibres. We are able to conduct and manage epidemiological research, provide statistical expertise, and undertake critical review and assessment of epidemiological studies in relation to all the key areas listed above.

Environmental Risk Assessment

The review and critical evaluation of ecotoxicological and exposure data to establish an authoritative opinion on potential environmental hazards and risks. We apply a highly pragmatic approach to provide reliable and realistic hazard and risk assessments for all environmental compartments, for both regulators and industry alike. The ecological and environmental risk assessment of chemicals has becoming increasingly important with the introduction of the REACH Regulation, whereby producers and users of chemicals have to demonstrate that their chemicals pose a low risk to the environment. We have wide-ranging capabilities, experience and competencies in a broad range of relevant ecological and environmental risk assessment scenarios.

Aspects of particular interest are:

• Environmental exposure assessment
• Ecotoxicological advice and interpretation of effects data
• Determining harm to ecosystem goods and services
• Understanding of National and EU Environmental standards and Directives, and regulations
• Contaminated land advice and interpretation of ecological effects
• Use of Species Sensitivity Analysis
• Fate and behaviour of chemicals in the environment
• Marine, freshwater and soil systems and their relationship to other environmental compartments and ecosystems

European Chemicals Policy and Regulation

Scientists at IEH Consulting have a long and internationally recognised reputation for providing advice to UK and EU government bodies and industrial organisations alike, in relation to the development, implementation and implications of policy and regulatory measures as they relate to chemicals and occupational and public health. This includes, for example, assisting in the interface between science-based health impact assessment and socioeconomic assessment. Aspects of such activities include:

• Provision of scientific advice and support to inform the development of policy and regulations and of industry responses to new and established regulations
• Provision of information and advice, for example on Registration and the development of environmental and health impact estimates and socioeconomic assessments in relation to Authorisation or Restriction under REACH.

Research and Consultancy Services

IEH Consulting provides a range of other services, including:

• Tailored teaching and short courses for individuals and organizations in relation to all the areas of expertise listed above. Such educational activities can be tailored to meet individual clients’ specific needs and can be delivered at the client’s site or at a suitable third-party location.
• Scientific mediation
• Research management
• Scientific editing and peer review

Past and Current Clients
IEH Consulting has undertaken work for or in association with the following organisations:

• Babolna Bio Limited, Hungary - pest control company
• Central Bedfordshire Council - UK local authority
• Defra - the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• ECFIA - trade association representing manufacturers of high temperature insulation wools
• ECHA - the European Chemicals Agency
• Environment Agency (UK)
• EFSA - the European Food Safety Authority
• IGHRC - the Interdepartmental Group on Health Risks from Chemicals (UK)
• Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd (RPA) - independent consultancy
• Vanitec Limited - representing the vanadium industry
• WCA Environment - chemical risk assessment and environmental consultancy
• WRc - the Water Research Centre