Project Summary (1995-2000)

The Antibody Engineering Laboratory provides valuable antibody reagents and core biomedical support to most investigators of the Superfund program project. Research is being conducted that facilitates tracking the metabolic fate and consequences of human exposure to agrochemical and environmental pollutants, and will contribute to the design of effective strategies for mitigation of exposure related health effects. Antibody based immunoassays allow the sensitive detection and monitoring of environmental toxicants. The materials to be detected include TCDD (2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin) and congeners; the ubiquitous triazine metabolites and break-down products; and heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium. Successful implementation of our project helps achieve significant cost savings in environmental technologies.