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Intertox Principal Dr. Richard Pleus seldom ponders the meaning of his job. As head of a scientific research firm specializing in assessing the affect of chemicals on public health, he says his mission is clear: to provide good science.
"We work for industry, governments and occasionally for public interest groups. It doesn't matter who's paying us, our goal is making sure good science results from the project," he said.
Pleus describes the Seattle-based, four-year-old firm as a public health consultant. In a nutshell, Intertox analyzes chemical exposure to humans via air, water and food. The firm, which works on projects worldwide, also conducts risk assessments, designs and implements mitigation plans, and assists clients with prevention planning.
Intertox is currently involved in addressing data gaps in the assessment of perchlorate, a toxic chemical used to make rockets and explosives which can cause skin and stomach problems as well as blood disorders, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The firm is also looking at possible long-range health issues associated with combustion devices such as power plants and cement facilities. Pleus noted that interest in toxic chemicals has shifted from those that may cause cancer to endocrine disrupters and chemicals that affect the nervous and reproductive systems.
Intertox employs eight full-time and six part-time employees, but will likely expand in the coming year, Pleus said.
Now that industry is realizing how a proactive role in assessing the possible affects of chemicals can save them money, work is picking up for public health consultants.
"It's important to bring economic values to our work, because it encourages companies to be proactive," Pleus said. "Avoiding lawsuits equals tremendous savings.