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Hua, M., McCauley, K., Brew, D., Heywood, J., Siracusa, J., Stevens, M., and Paustenbach, D.J. 2025. United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid, and Related Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances 2024 Drinking Water Maximum Contaminant Level: Part 1 – Analysis of Public Comments. Critical Reviews in Toxicology. 1–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2024.2415893
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Paustenbach, D.J., McCauley, K., Siracusa, J., Smallets, S., Brew, D., Stevens, M., Deckard, B., and Hua, M. 2025. United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid, and Related Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances 2024 Drinking Water Maximum Contaminant Level: Part 2 – Fifteen Misconceptions About the Health Hazards. Critical Reviews in Toxicology. 1–48. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2024.2446453
- Brew, D. W., Stevens, M. E., Langer, A. M., and Paustenbach, D. J. 2025. A risk assessment of mechanics who changed chrysotile asbestos containing vehicle brakes in the 1950s- early 2000s era: An update on the 2004 evaluation. Critical Reviews in Toxicology. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408444.2024.2427222
- Stevens, Michael E., Tuttle, B.P., Brew, D.W., Paustenbach, D.J. 2025. An evaluation of trends for mesothelioma mortality in American women: Addressing the content of a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Toxicology and Industrial Health. 41(1): 40-60. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07482337241293201
- Heywood, J., Abele, G., Litvin, S., Smallets, S., and Paustenbach, D. J. 2025. Composition of e-cigarette aerosols: A review and risk assessment of selected compounds. Journal of Applied Toxicology. 45(3): 364-386. https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jat.4683
- Heywood, J., Smallets, S., and Paustenbach, D. J. 2024. Beneficial and adverse health effects of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): A critical review of the literature. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 192: 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2024.114913
- Stevens, M. E., Brew, D. W., and Paustenbach, D. J. 2024. Occupational exposures to asbestos in the steel industry: An analysis of the AISI sampling campaign (1989–1997). Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 1-11. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15459624.2024.2328804
- Stevens, M. E., Paustenbach, D. J., Lockhart, N. J., Busboom, D. E., Deckard, B. M., and Brew, D. W. 2024. The presence of erionite in North American geologies and the estimated mesothelioma potency by region. Inhalation Toxicology. 1-16. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08958378.2024.2322496
- Paustenbach, D.J., Brown, S. E., Heywood, J. J., Donnell, M. T., and Eaton, D. L. 2024. Risk Characterization of NDMA in Pharmaceuticals. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 186: 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2024.114498
- Paustenbach, D. J., Stevens, M. E., Tuttle, B. P., Shore, R. A., Ligas, S., and Brew, D. W. 2023. Occupational Exposure to Asbestos in the Steel Industry (1972-2006). Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. 36: 1-31. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-023-00576-4
- Paustenbach, D. J. and J. Gibbons. 2021. Radiological risk assessment of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (HPNS). Critical Reviews in Toxicology. 52(7): 499-545. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2022.2118107
- D.J. Paustenbach, D. Brew, S. Ligas & J. Heywood. 2021. A critical review of the 2020 EPA risk assessment for chrysotile and its many shortcomings. Critical Reviews in Toxicology. 51(6): 509-539. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2021.1968337
- Zisook, R. E., Simmons, B. D., Vater, M., Perez, A., Donovan, E. P., Paustenbach, D. J., and Cyrs, W. D. 2020. Emissions associated with operations of four different additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 17(10): 464-479 . https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2020.1798012
Overcoming Environmental, Human Health and Chemical Risk Challenges
Scientifically Sound Risk Assessments to Enhance Decision-Making
TRC’s tested toxicologists, epidemiologists, health scientists and engineers are dedicated to remaining at the forefront of scientific advancement to solve our clients’ human health, environmental, and chemical risk challenges. Our experts provide data-driven solutions to create healthy workplaces and communities, improve product and supply chain stewardship and brand resilience, and reduce liability.
We have a proven track record of success confronting challenges related to occupational hazards, environmental releases, regulatory advocacy and compliance, chemical risk management, product stewardship, toxic tort litigation, contaminated sites, contaminated foods and consumer products. Clients value the peace of mind gained by how our team approaches each unique situation with a solution-oriented mindset.
Seamlessly Integrated, Multidisciplinary Expertise
Our experts leverage their knowledge in exposure science, toxicology, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, engineering and supply chain analysis, to quantitatively characterize occupational and environmental hazards and exposures posed by various chemicals and manage associated risk. Our multidisciplinary expertise enables us to precisely align our approach with your needs in the following areas:
Exposure Assessment and Dose Reconstruction
Our team members pioneered the methodology for conducting exposure assessments and dose reconstructions. We have completed thousands of exposure/dose reconstructions and published hundreds of papers on this topic involving both workplace and community exposures.
Health and Environmental Risk Assessment
Risk assessments can be used in a variety of contexts, including evaluating exposure to chemicals associated with consumer products, occupational settings or specific contaminated sites. These assessments are the foundation for decision-making in the corporate setting, regulatory rulemaking and toxic-tort litigation. Learn more.
Risk Communication
TRC has distinguished itself in the marketplace by effectively communicating the significance of our research to the public, regulators and juries. Scientific nuances can often confuse these audiences, especially when they are presented with seemingly conflicting information. Effective communication during public hearings, meetings with regulatory bodies and trials is crucial for facilitating sound decision-making.
Industrial Hygiene Assessments
Industrial hygiene is the anticipation, recognition and control of chemical hazards in the workplace. Our team has conducted over 500 industrial hygiene surveys and written nearly 50 published papers on this topic, demonstrating the expertise our clients have come to trust. Learn more.
Consumer Product Safety Assessment/Recalls
Each year, greater emphasis is placed on chemicals to which we are exposed daily in cosmetics, toys, paints, food/beverages, cleaning products, building materials and other household items. Our team has evaluated several dozens of these exposure scenarios and welcomes the opportunity to examine novel and mainstream chemicals used in commerce. Learn more.
Regulatory Engagement and Compliance
We have extensive experience advocating and shaping emerging regulations and have a proven track record of success. We leverage our extensive networks to engage with international and domestic regulatory agencies, promoting the development of scientifically sound and technically achievable regulations. We understand international, federal, and local labeling and reporting requirements including European Union REACH, EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), California Proposition 65 (Prop 65), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and others. Learn more.
Product and Supply Chain Stewardship
Work within the regulatory lifecycle of the chemical – from EPA premanufacturing notice (PMN) submission to, pre regulatory review and advocacy through compliance. We understand the operational implications of emerging and established global chemical regulations. We have practical experience engaging with complex networks of suppliers to identify chemicals of emerging regulatory concern in the supply chain and approaches to mitigate impacts to operations. Learn more.
Rapid Response
In response to derailments, fires (natural and industrial), spills and chemical releases, our team has experience orchestrating a timely response to reduce environmental impacts and collect data to conduct risk assessments. These are necessary to inform the relevant communities and stakeholders of the magnitude of the event. Learn more.
Litigation Support
Our team excels in providing litigation support to clients and their outside counsel in nearly every industry impacted by human health and environmental health challenges. We have served as expert witnesses in nearly 1,000 cases and specialize in litigation support for a multitude of chemicals and exposure scenarios.
Solving Our Clients’ Most Complex Problems with Forward-Thinking Solutions
Our team serves a diverse range of industries as consultants and expert witnesses, including:
- Legal
- Food & Beverage
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Consumer Products
- Medical Devices
- Oil & Gas
- Mining
- Automotive
- Railroads
- Public Water Systems
- Defense Industrial Base/Military
- Microelectronics/Semi-Conductors
- Pharmaceutical
- Vitamins/Supplements
- Insurance
- Textiles
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Real Estate
- Construction
- Waste Management
Our Experts Are Exceptionally Knowledgeable About a Variety of Chemicals and Alleged Health Hazards
Chemicals and other potential hazards we have studied include:
- Mineral Fibers (Asbestos, Erionite & others)
- Various Industrial Solvents
- Benzene
- Metals
- Fire Emissions/Combustion Products
- Talc
- Dioxins & Furans
- Formaldehyde
- Pesticides
- Allergens
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
- Silica (including Engineered Stone)
- Microplastics
- Kratom
- Radionucleotides
- 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP) (in cosmetics/personal care products)
- Hydrazine
- E-cigarettes
- Mold
Meet Our Testifying Experts
Our Recent Publications
Explore Our Team’s Latest Research
- Jefferson R, Smallets S. 2024. Alkaline Materials: Sodium, Potassium, Cesium, Rubidium, Francium, and Lithium. In: Paustenbach D, Farland W, Greim H, Klaunig JE, Levy L. Patty’s Toxicology, Seventh Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1-20.
- Marrocco A, Dy ABC, Ortiz LA, Slavin TJ, Dotson S, Stevens M, Brew, D. 2024. Silica and Silica Compounds. In: Paustenbach D, Farland W, Greim H, Klaunig JE, Levy L. Patty’s Toxicology, Seventh Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons. 1-49.
- Paustenbach, D. J., Madl, A. K., and Massarsky, A. 2024. Chapter 7: Exposure Assessment. In: D.J. Paustenbach, W. Farland, H. Greim, J. Klaunig, L. Levy (eds.), Patty’s Toxicology. Seventh Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
- Paustenbach, D.J., Brew, D., Pavelka, A., Buddenbaum, J., and Stevens, M.E. 2024. Chapter 9: Dose Reconstructions for Radionuclides: Case Study Involving Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (HPNS), California. In: D.J. Paustenbach (ed.), Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice. Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
- Paustenbach, D.J., and Williams, P. 2024. Chapter 6: Risk Characterization. (2024) In: D.J. Paustenbach (ed.), Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice. Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
- Paustenbach, D.J., Madl, A., and Massarsky, A. 2024. Chapter 5: Exposure Assessment. In: D.J. Paustenbach (ed.), Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice. Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
- Paustenbach, D.J., and Cox Jr., L. A., 2024. Chapter 4: Dose-Response and Assessment (Cancer and Non-Cancer). In: D.J. Paustenbach (ed.), Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice. Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
- Paustenbach, D.J., and Wenning, R.J. 2024. Chapter 3: Hazard Identification (Environmental). In: D.J. Paustenbach (ed.), Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice. Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
- Paustenbach, D.J., and Wenning, R.J. 2024. Chapter 2: Hazard Identification (Human). In: D.J. Paustenbach (ed.). Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice. Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
- Paustenbach, D.J., Langenbach, B., and Wenning, R.J. 2024. Chapter 1: Primer on Human and Environmental Risk Assessment. In: D.J. Paustenbach (ed.), Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice. Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons.
- Paustenbach, D.J., Madl, A.K., and Massarsky, A. 2023. Chapter 10: The Practice of Exposure Assessment. In: A. W. Hayes and T. Kobets (eds.), Hayes’ Principles and Methods of Toxicology. Seventh edition. CRC Press. Boca Raton, FL. p. 479-565.
- Paustenbach D.J., A. Maier and W. Cyrs. 2020. Chapter 20: The history and biological basis of occupational exposure limits for chemical agents. In: B. Cohrssen (eds.), Patty’s Industrial Hygiene. Seventh edition. Wiley & Sons, New York.
- 2024. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice. 3rd edition. D.J. Paustenbach (ed). John Wiley and Sons. NY. 1800 pages in two volumes.
- 2024. Patty’s Toxicology. Senior editor D.J. Paustenbach. Associate Editors were Dr. Bill Farland, Dr. Helmut Greim, Dr. Len Levy and Dr. David Brew. John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY. About 140 chapters and 10,000 pages. Eight volumes.
Partner with TRC’s Industry Leading Experts Today
Our experts in Strategic Health Sciences provide data-driven solutions to reduce liability, enhance product and supply-chain sustainability and address complex issues such as chemical releases, occupational hazards, regulatory compliance, toxic-tort litigation and more. By combining deep knowledge in exposure science, toxicology, industrial hygiene and epidemiology with regulatory and scientific approaches, we deliver tailored solutions to solve critical challenges for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to commonly asked questions about Strategic Health Sciences.
Our specialty is problem-solving and advising firms who face legal, regulatory or societal challenges regarding chemicals in the workplace or the environment. We primarily serve the private sector and their internal or external legal counsel; and have worked for state and federal government agencies.
Our ability to effectively communicate science and its relevance to juries, regulators and the public has distinguished TRC and resulted in ~90% repeat business from our clients.
Referrals from some of the top litigators in the country are available upon request. In surveys we have conducted for our clients, they consistently comment of the speed of our responsiveness and the quality of the end product.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
Addressing Food Recalls Related to Listeria and E. Coli Contamination
May 9, 2025
In the past few years, an increase in Listeria and E. coli outbreaks have occurred due to consumption of various contaminated foods, such as deli meat, frozen waffles, lettuce and carrots. Listeria and E. coli infections are primarily transmitted through contaminated food, with food processing environments frequently identified as the origin of these pathogens. While Listeria (listeriosis) and E. coli infections can affect healthy individuals, they pose the greatest risk to children under four weeks old, pregnant women, elderly populations and immunocompromised individuals. Although these pathogens disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, their broader public health impact remains a challenge and is reflected in outbreak frequency and mortality patterns. In 2024, CDC surveillance data revealed that among 1,355 foodborne disease outbreaks, Salmonella accounted for 74.5% (1,010 cases), followed by E. coli (20.7%, 281 cases) and Listeria (4.7%, 64 cases). Although listeriosis incidence rates are lower than those of other foodborne illnesses, it presents a high mortality rate, ranging from 13% to 30% of cases, mainly due to the development of serious infections such as encephalitis and meningitis, establishing listeriosis as one of the main foodborne pathogens causing death in the United States. Despite E. coli’s relatively lower mortality rate of up to 9.6% in severe manifestations such as bloodstream infections, its epidemiological burden remains significant. According to the CDC, on average, 1,600 listeriosis cases and 260 deaths, with an average hospitalization rate of 94%, occur each year in the United States. In addition, the CDC reported an average of 97,000 illnesses, 3,270 hospitalizations and 30 deaths due to the E. coli O157 strain each year. While mortality rates underscore Listeria’s clinical severity, treatment efficacy hinges on antibiotic susceptibility, an area where Listeria and E. coli diverge. Although occasional increases in Listeria population sizes can lead to antibiotic resistance, Listeria has maintained a high susceptibility rate to antibiotics used to treat infections. In contrast, antibiotic resistance is more common in E. coli than Listeria infections. This higher resistance in E. coli is attributed to the use of antimicrobial agents in food production and the active genetic exchanges among bacteria in natural environments. Next Steps: Conduct Critical Risk Assessments and Industrial Hygiene Evaluations with TRC TRC’s tested practitioners in Strategic Health Sciences specialize in food contamination prevention and management, offering science-based risk assessment consulting to help companies determine the necessity of food recalls and implement proactive strategies to mitigate contamination risks. Our recent work includes risk assessments on several cases of potential food contamination caused by allergens, metals, industrial fires, and the derailment of trains carrying food/beverage products. In the United States, regulations such as 9 CFR 430.4(a) are intended to prevent contamination during food production. Large foodborne outbreaks have become less common since the early 2000s, which is attributed to improved quality control measures in the food industry and improved medical diagnoses. Despite this, foodborne outbreaks and food recalls still occur and are related to contamination during the production process or other events. Reducing Listeria, E. coli and other outbreaks in the future requires a risk assessment of contaminated foods and the evaluation of food production processes. Scientists at TRC have over 55 years of experience conducting risk assessments and industrial hygiene evaluations, including on contaminated spices, beverages and various foods and food packaging products. Our team advises on food production process changes, labeling, risk and severity of adverse effects, plausible doses, recalls and more. Litigation cases related to Listeria and E. coli outbreaks have increased in the past several months. Our organization has testified in over 700 depositions and 60 trials for industry where we presented our risk analyses. In the cases for which we were retained, we applied exposure science and the health risk assessment methodology embraced by the National Academies of Science to characterize the possible risks. Over the years, we have conducted more than 1,000 risk assessments. Please contact Michael Stevens for more information regarding our capabilities at MEStevens@trccompanies.com.
Microplastics: Adapting to Emerging Legal Challenges with Proper Risk Assessment
April 15, 2025
Although microplastics may very well be fundamentally inert and no different from nuisance dusts, concern over their increasing presence in the environment and the human body persists. To ensure that regulators, the public and juries reach accurate decisions about the potency of microplastics, it is important to conduct an exhaustive health risk assessment evaluating a diversity of toxicological endpoints across differing doses.
Publication Featured in Critical Reviews in Toxicology
March 13, 2025
A risk assessment of mechanics who changed chrysotile asbestos containing brakes and other vehicle components in the 1950s-early 2000s era: an update on the 2004 evaluation by David W. Brew, Michael E. Stevens, Arthur M. Langer and Dennis J. Paustenbach.
