Research Focus

At the start of the Centre the core team identified three primary disease foci including:

• Occupational lung and airway disease.
• Occupational skin disease.
• Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

It was noted, however, that other diseases such as hearing loss and infectious diseases, would also be considered through collaborative efforts with other researchers specializing in these areas. Also of note was the intent to continue to participate where appropriate in work in occupational cancers through various collaborations.

In addition to areas of disease foci the team identified three primary areas of exposure as a focus including:

• Chemical.
• Physical.
• Biological.

It was noted at the time, that exposure such as mechanical and psychosocial would also be considered through collaborative efforts with other researchers.

The final third area that helped to define the research focus for the Centre was mechanisms. This third critical element included the process outlined below:

• The identification of exposure response relationships and underlying mechanisms of disease.
• Exposure assessment.
• Diagnostic and treatment strategies.
• Development and evaluation of prevention strategies.