Photochemical smog and air pollution have been shown to cause acute and chronic damages to human and ecosystem health.  Atmospheric chemists at the Wadsworth Center are at the forefront of understanding and addressing the critical role gaseous and particulate pollutants play in the formation of oxidants and smog, and the human health impact of pollution.  Laboratory studies, field observations, and exposure assessments are conducted by our scientists to tackle these environmental issues.

Associated Researchers

Liang T. Chu, PhD

Environmental Heterogeneous Chemistry Laboratory

We investigate heterogeneous reactions occurring on ice, environmental particle and nanoparticle surfaces to better understand the atmospheric pollution processes and their impact on human health using spectroscopic techniques.

Haider A. Khwaja, PhD

Environmental Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory

We conduct multidisciplinary research to understand water and indoor and outdoor air pollution and their impact on human health.

Xianliang Zhou, PhD

Asbestos Laboratory

We conduct both laboratory and field studies to understand the tropospheric chemistry of reactive nitrogens, a group of key species involved in the formation of atmospheric secondary pollutants, such as ozone and aerosols.