John Vandenberg | Scholars@Duke

John Vandenberg
Adjunct Professor in the Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy

Dr. Vandenberg served as Director of the Health and Environmental Effects Assessment Park Division of the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, at the US Environmental Protection Agency (retired, 2021). He has over 35 years of experience in environmental health risk assessment and was responsible for leadership, planning and oversight of EPA’s Integrated Science Assessments for the major (criteria) air pollutants and Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessments for high priority hazardous air pollutants, and for development of new risk assessment methodologies. He has testified to committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on the health and environmental effects of air pollutants and served as National Program Director of EPA’s Human Health Risk Assessment program and Particulate Matter Research program. Dr. Vandenberg has been a consultant to the World Health Organization, represented EPA in scientific meetings in Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East, and has served on numerous university and State scientific advisory committees. He was elected Fellow of the Society for Risk Analysis and he is recipient of EPA’s Statesmanship and Distinguished Service Awards.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Adjunct Professor in the Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Nicholas School of the Environment 2011

Contact Information

2260 Cranford Rd, Durham, NC 27705
Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708-0328
john.vandenberg@duke.edu (541) 844-5126

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Duke University 1987
- M.S., Duke University 1982
- B.A., College of Wooster 1978
Previous Appointments & Affiliations
- Adjunct Assistant Prof, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Nicholas School of the Environment 1996 - 2011
Academic Positions Outside Duke
- Adjunct Professor, Duke-Kunshan University. 2017 - 2022
Recognition
Awards & Honors
Expertise
Subject Headings
- Air quality management
- Health risk assessment
Global Scholarship
- Research
  - Bolivia (Plurinational State of) (Country)
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Ginsberg, Gary L., Kristi Pullen Fedinick, Gina M. Solomon, Kevin C. Elliott, John J. Vandenberg, Stan Barone, and John R. Bucher. “New Toxicology Tools and the Emerging Paradigm Shift in Environmental Health Decision-Making.” Environmental Health Perspectives 127, no. 12 (December 2019): 125002. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp4745.
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  - Cote, Ila L., Shaun D. McCullough, Ronald N. Hines, and John J. Vandenberg. “Application of epigenetic data in human health risk assessment.” Current Opinion in Toxicology 6 (November 2017): 71–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cotox.2017.09.002.
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  - Cote, Ila, Melvin E. Andersen, Gerald T. Ankley, Stanley Barone, Linda S. Birnbaum, Kim Boekelheide, Frederic Y. Bois, et al. “The Next Generation of Risk Assessment Multi-Year Study-Highlights of Findings, Applications to Risk Assessment, and Future Directions.” Environmental Health Perspectives 124, no. 11 (November 2016): 1671–82. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp233.
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  - McEwen, Abigail R., Heileen Hsu-Kim, Nicholas A. Robins, Nicole A. Hagan, Susan Halabi, Olivo Barras, Daniel deB Richter, and John J. Vandenberg. “Residential metal contamination and potential health risks of exposure in adobe brick houses in Potosí, Bolivia.” Sci Total Environ 562 (August 15, 2016): 237–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.152.
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  - Hagan, Nicole, Nicholas Robins, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Susan Halabi, Ruben Dario Espinoza Gonzales, Enrique Ecos, Daniel Richter, and John Vandenberg. “Mercury hair levels and factors that influence exposure for residents of Huancavelica, Peru.” Environ Geochem Health 37, no. 3 (June 2015): 507–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-014-9665-9.
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  - Gift, Jeffrey S., Jane C. Caldwell, Jennifer Jinot, Marina V. Evans, Ila Cote, and John J. Vandenberg. “Scientific considerations for evaluating cancer bioassays conducted by the Ramazzini Institute.” Environmental Health Perspectives 121, no. 11–12 (November 2013): 1253–63. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1306661.
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  - DeWoskin, R. S., L. M. Sweeney, J. G. Teeguarden, R. Sams, and J. Vandenberg. “Comparison of PBTK model and biomarker based estimates of the internal dosimetry of acrylamide.” Food and Chemical Toxicology : An International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 58 (August 2013): 506–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.05.008.
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  - Hagan, Nicole, Nicholas Robins, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Susan Halabi, Ruben Dario Espinoza Gonzales, Daniel deB Richter, and John Vandenberg. “Residential mercury contamination in adobe brick homes in Huancavelica, Peru.” Plos One 8, no. 9 (2013): e75179. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0075179.
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  - Ross, Mary A., Lindsay Wichers Stanek, Thomas C. Long, Thomas J. Luben, Douglas O. Johns, Ellen Kirrane, Barbara Buckley, James S. Brown, John J. Vandenberg, and Ila Cote. “O-184.” Epidemiology 23 (September 2012): 1–1. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ede.0000416841.42984.6e.
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  - Robins, Nicholas A., Nicole Hagan, Susan Halabi, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Ruben Dario Espinoza Gonzales, Mark Morris, George Woodall, et al. “Estimations of historical atmospheric mercury concentrations from mercury refining and present-day soil concentrations of total mercury in Huancavelica, Peru.” Sci Total Environ 426 (June 1, 2012): 146–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.082.
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  - Murnyak, George, John Vandenberg, Paul J. Yaroschak, Larry Williams, Krishnan Prabhakaran, and John Hinz. “Emerging contaminants: presentations at the 2009 Toxicology and Risk Assessment Conference.” Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 254, no. 2 (July 2011): 167–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2010.10.021.
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  - Gwinn, Maureen R., Jeneva Craig, Daniel A. Axelrad, Rich Cook, Chris Dockins, Neal Fann, Robert Fegley, et al. “Meeting report: Estimating the benefits of reducing hazardous air pollutants--summary of 2009 workshop and future considerations.” Environmental Health Perspectives 119, no. 1 (January 2011): 125–30. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1002468.
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  - Hagan, N., N. Robins, H. Hsu-Kim, S. Halabi, M. Morris, G. Woodall, T. Zhang, A. Bacon, D. D. B. Richter, and J. Vandenberg. “Estimating historical atmospheric mercury concentrations from silver mining and their legacies in present-day surface soil in Potosí, Bolivia.” Atmospheric Environment 45, no. 40 (January 1, 2011): 7619–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.10.009.
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  - Hagan, Nicole, Nicholas Robins, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Susan Halabi, Mark Morris, George Woodall, Tong Zhang, Allan Bacon, Daniel de B. Richter, and John Vandenberg. “Estimating historical atmospheric mercury concentrations from silver mining and their legacies in present-day surface soil in Potosí, Bolivia.” Atmospheric Environment, November 2010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.10.009.
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  - Zhang, Luoping, Laura E Beane Freeman, Jun Nakamura, Stephen S. Hecht, John J. Vandenberg, Martyn T. Smith, and Babasaheb R. Sonawane. “Formaldehyde and leukemia: epidemiology, potential mechanisms, and implications for risk assessment.” Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 51, no. 3 (April 2010): 181–91. https://doi.org/10.1002/em.20534.
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  - Cote, Ila, Jonathan Samet, and John J. Vandenberg. “U.S. air quality management: local, regional and global approaches.” Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A 71, no. 1 (January 2008): 63–73. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287390701557917.
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  - Nadadur, Srikanth S., C Andrew Miller, Philip K. Hopke, Terry Gordon, Sverre Vedal, John J. Vandenberg, and Daniel L. Costa. “The complexities of air pollution regulation: the need for an integrated research and regulatory perspective.” Toxicological Sciences : An Official Journal of the Society of Toxicology 100, no. 2 (December 2007): 318–27. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfm170.
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  - Preuss, P. W., J. J. Vandenberg, L. Tuxen, and I. L. Cote. “Risk assessment at the USEPA: The science behind the assessments.” Human and Ecological Risk Assessment 13, no. 1 (January 1, 2007): 41–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/10807030601107254.
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  - Krzyzanowski, Michal, John Vandenberg, and Dave Stieb. “Perspectives on air quality policy issues in Europe and North America.” Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A 68, no. 13–14 (July 2005): 1057–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287390590935897.
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  - Vandenberg, J. J. “he role of air quality management programs in improving public health: A brief synopsis.” The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 115, no. 2 (February 2005): 334–36.
  - Vandenberg, John J. “The role of air quality management programs in improving public health: a brief synopsis.” The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 115, no. 2 (February 2005): 334–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2004.11.038.
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  - Hrubá, F., E. Fabiánová, K. Koppová, and J. J. Vandenberg. “Childhood respiratory symptoms, hospital admissions, and long-term exposure to airborne particulate matter.” Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology 11, no. 1 (January 2001): 33–40. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jea.7500141.
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  - “Evaluation and use of epidemiological evidence for environmental health risk assessment: WHO guideline document.” Environmental Health Perspectives 108, no. 10 (October 2000): 997–1002. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.00108997.
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  - Brauer, M., F. Hrubá, E. Mihalíková, E. Fabiánová, P. Miskovic, A. Plziková, M. Lendacká, J. Vandenberg, and A. Cullen. “Personal exposure to particles in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.” Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology 10, no. 5 (September 2000): 478–87. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jea.7500136.
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  - Vandenberg, J. J. “Nonlinearities in concentration x time relationships: Implications for risk assessors.” Comments on Toxicology 6, no. 2 (December 1, 1997): 117–24.
  - Vandenberg, J. J. “Risk assessment and research: an essential link.” Toxicology Letters 79, no. 1–3 (September 1995): 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-4274(95)03352-l.
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  - Vandenberg, J. J. “Development and application of the bonchmark dose approach by the U.S. environmental protection agency.” Toxicology Letters 74 (August 1994): 89–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-4274(94)90454-5.
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  - Jacobson, Susan K., and John J. Vandenberg. “Reproductive Ecology of the Endangered Golden Toad (Bufo periglenes).” Journal of Herpetology 25, no. 3 (September 1991): 321–321. https://doi.org/10.2307/1564591.
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  - Pease, William, John Vandenberg, and Kim Hooper. “Comparing Alternative Approaches to Establishing Regulatory Levels for Reproductive Toxicants: DBCP As a Case Study.” Environmental Health Perspectives 91 (February 1991): 141–141. https://doi.org/10.2307/3430990.
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  - Vandenberg, J. J., and K. R. Knoerr. “Comparison of surrogate surface techniques for estimation of sulfate dry deposition.” Atmospheric Environment (1967) 19, no. 4 (January 1, 1985): 627–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/0004-6981(85)90042-3.
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- Book Sections
  - Cote, I., J. J. Vandenberg, I. L. Druwe, and M. M. Angrish. “Incorporating epigenetics into a risk assessment framework.” In Toxicoepigenetics: Core Principles and Applications, 289–310, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812433-8.00013-7.
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  - Whalan, John, Gary Foureman, and John Vandenberg. “Inhalation Risk Assessment at the Environmental Protection Agency.” In Inhalation Toxicology, Second Edition, 2–37. CRC Press, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420037302.ch1.
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  - Whalan, J. E., G. L. Foureman, and J. J. Vandenberg. “Inhalation Risk Assessment at the Environmental Protection Agency ¹.” In Inhalation Toxicology: Second Edition, 3–37, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420037302-6.
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- Conference Papers
  - Woodruff, Tracey J., Lauren Zeise, Daniel A. Axelrad, Kathryn Z. Guyton, Sarah Janssen, Mark Miller, Gregory G. Miller, et al. “Meeting report: moving upstream-evaluating adverse upstream end points for improved risk assessment and decision-making.” In Environmental Health Perspectives, 116:1568–75, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.11516.
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  - Vandenberg, J. J., J. R. Fowle, and H. Zenick. “EPA's research to improve health risk assessments (RIHRA) program. Overview and water-related research.” In Proceedings Awwa Annual Conference, 779–89, 1991.
  - Pease, W., J. Vandenberg, and K. Hooper. “Comparing alternative approaches to establishing regulatory levels for reproductive toxicants: DBCP as a case study.” In Environmental Health Perspectives, 91:141–55, 1991. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.9191141.
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  - Vandenberg, J., A. Smith, and K. Blanchard. “Exposure and risk assessment of chromium electroplaters.” In Proceedings A&Amp;Wma Annual Meeting, Vol. 9, 1989.
  - Vandenberg, J., K. Hooper, T. Telles, S. Hoover, and A. Kelter. “Use of an evaluated toxicity data base in setting priorities for the assessment of reproductive toxicants.” In Proceedings A&Amp;Wma Annual Meeting, Vol. 4, 1989.
Teaching & Mentoring
Recent Courses
Scholarly, Clinical, & Service Activities
Service to the Profession
- Member. Air Toxics Science Advisory Committee. 2022 2022
- Member. Secretaries' Science Advisory Board. 2017 2017

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Previous Appointments & Affiliations

Academic Positions Outside Duke

Awards & Honors

Subject Headings

Global Scholarship

Research

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Book Sections

Conference Papers

Recent Courses

Service to the Profession