Dr. Kaetzel is a board certified toxicologist with experience evaluating potential human health risks associated with exposure to chemicals in environmental media (air, water, and soil) and the food chain. Examples of specific chemicals that Dr. Kaetzel has focused on in her toxicological evaluations include: lead, arsenic, nanomaterials (e.g., nanometal oxides, nanoclays, styrene polymers), asbestos, ethylene oxide, butadiene, dioxane, terpenes, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g., trichloroethylene, ethylene dibromide, dichlorobromopropane, epichlorohydrin, chlorinated propenes and propanes) coal tar, radon, environmental tobacco smoke, sulfur dioxide, and fluorides. Her experience also includes assessment of wastewater effluent on benthic biota, consumer product assessment, researching and preparing written summaries regarding exposure to chemicals and assessing the mechanism of action and effects of toxic compounds on human health and biota (for both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic endpoints).
Dr. Kaetzel has conducted epidemiologic reviews, toxicological reviews, and assisted in the design of and execution of biomonitoring and exposure studies to assist clients in answering difficult human health concerns and regulatory questions. As a toxicologist with several years of research experience in mechanistic toxicology, genomics, protein chemistry, and proteomics, Dr. Kaetzel is familiar with the design and execution of toxicological studies, method development and analysis, data collection and analysis. She is familiar with protocols required for small animal toxicity testing and requirements of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. As a former laboratory manager, she has directed the activities of post-doctoral associates, graduate students, and research assistants and was responsible for maintaining ongoing research collaborations in antioxidant biochemistry, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein modification. Dr. Kaetzel has experience working with government agencies, private sector business, contract laboratories, and members of the general public.
Tsuji JS, VanKerkhove MD, Kaetzel RS, Scrafford CG, Mink RJ, Barraj LM, Crecelius EA, Goodman M. Evaluation of exposure to arsenic in residential soil. Environ Health Perspect 2005; 113:1735-1740.
Kaetzel RS, Stapels MD, Barofsky DF, Reed DJ. Alkylation of protein disulfide isomerase by the episulfonium ion derived from the glutathione conjugate of 1,2 dichloroethane and mass spectrometric characterization of adducts. Arch Biochem Biophys 2004; 423:136-147.
Will Y, Kaetzel RS, Brown MK, Fraley TS, Reed DJ. In vivo reversal of glutathione deficiency and susceptibility to in vivo dexamethasone-induced apoptosis by N acetylcysteine and L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, but not ascorbic acid, in thymocytes from gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase-deficient knockout mice. Arch Biochem Biophys 2002; 397(2):399-406.
Will Y, Fischer KA, Horton RA, Kaetzel RS, Brown MK, Hedstrom O, Lieberman MW, Reed DJ. Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase-deficient knockout mice as a model to study the relationship between glutathione status, mitochondrial function, and cellular function. Hepatology 2000; 32:740–749.
Presentations
Kaetzel RS. Predictive human health risk assessment for a new aluminum smelter in Iceland. Presentation at the Pacific Northwest International Section Annual Meeting of the Air and Waste Management Association – Healthy communities: Using science based solutions for sustainability. Victoria, BC, November 2006.
Tsuji JS, VanKerkhove MD, Scrafford CG, Kaetzel RS. Biomonitoring of a community for soil arsenic exposure. Platform presentation at Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA, March, 2005. Toxicologist 84(S-1):141 Abstract 693.
Barofsky DF, Stapels MD, Kaetzel RS. Characterization of post-translational modifications with the Applied Biosystems 4700 Proteomics Analyzer. Discovery Proteomics Applied Biosystems Seminar Series, Seattle, WA, April 2003.
Sun BJ, Kaetzel RS, Zhang S. Integration of multipathway risk assessment: model structure, application and analysis. Paper presented at the A&WMA International Specialty Conference on Waste Combustion in Boilers and Industrial Furnaces, Kansas City, MO, March 28, 1995.
Zhang S, Sun BJ, Kaetzel RS. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses for food chain pathways in screening level multipathway risk assessment. Paper presented at the 1995 International Incineration Conference, Bellevue, WA, May 13, 1995.
Published Abstracts
Kaetzel RS, Edwards MR, Lowney YW, Tsuji JS. Patterns of urinary excretion of arsenic metabolites in a population with low arsenic exposure. Poster presentation at the 45th Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 2006. Toxicologist 90(1):257 Abstract 1258.
Tsuji JS, Mowat FS, Kaetzel RS. Approaches for risk assessment of nanomaterials: “inert” metal oxides. Poster presentation at the 45th Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 2006. Toxicologist 90(1):451 Abstract 2201.
Tsuji JS, VanKerkhove MD, Scrafford CG, Kaetzel RS. Biomonitoring of a community for soil arsenic exposure. Platform presentation at the 44th Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA, March 2005. Toxicologist 84(1-S):141 Abstract 693.
Kaetzel RS, Stapels MD, Barofsky E, Arbogast B, Barofsky DF, Reed DJ. Mass spectrometry of adducts produced by the alkylation of protein disulfide isomerase with the episulfonium ion derived from the glutathione conjugate of 1,2-dichloroethane. Poster presented at American Society of Mass Spectrometry Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, June 2003. Abstract WPY517. Poster also presented at the Justus Liebig Anniversary Symposium, Giessen, Germany, May 2003.
Kaetzel RS, Reed DJ. The nature of alkylation of protein disulfide isomerase by the episulfonium ion of S-(2-chloroethyl)glutathione. Poster presented at Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN, March 2002. Toxicologist 66(1-S):144 Abstract 700.
Kaetzel RS, Reed DJ. Alkylation of protein disulfide isomerase by the episulfonium ion of S-(2-Chloroethyl)glutathione. Poster presented at Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, March 2001. Toxicologist 60(1):168 Abstract 799.
Vasallo J, Kaetzel RS, Reed DJ, Lehman-McKeeham LD. Clara cell tolerance does not develop in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase-deficient knockout mice. Poster presented at Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, March 2001. Toxicologist 60(1):210 Abstract 1000.
Kaetzel RS, Brown MK, Fraley TS, Reed DJ. 2000. Inactivation of protein disulfide isomerase by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Poster presented at Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, March 2000. Toxicologist 54(1):25 Abstract 118.
Will Y, Kaetzel RS, Lieberman M, Reed DJ. 1999. Study of apoptosis in thymocytes obtained from gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) deficient knockout mice. Poster resented at Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 1999. Toxicologist 48(1-S):307 Abstract 1451.
Will Y, Kaetzel RS, Lieberman M, Reed DJ. Study of apoptosis in splenocytes and thymocytes obtained from gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) deficient knockout mice. Poster presented at the 2nd Albany conference on Frontiers of Mitochondrial Research, Rensselaerville, NY, September 24-27, 1998. Abstract # 86.
Medical and Biological Monitoring Contributed to the development, execution, and analysis for an exposure assessment of over 400 residents in a community in New York with concerns over arsenic in soil adjacent to a former pesticide manufacturer. Organized and/or facilitated all facets of the study including census and recruitment, questionnaire development and compilation, biomarker sampling field effort (urine and toenail), environmental sampling (garden produce), sampling by contractors (soil and house dust), public relations and meetings, laboratory point of contact, database organization, validation, and statistical analysis on all data. Interacted with the community and governmental officials to facilitate the assessment of the community. Co-authored the final report and publication of a cross-sectional statistical evaluation of soil exposure in the community.
Analyzed urine profiles originating from a population that was biomonitored for possible exposure to arsenic in soil in which exposure was indistinguishable from background dietary and water exposure. Evaluated whether the pattern of arsenic compounds excreted in the urine differed between adults and children with low inorganic arsenic exposure.
Reviewed exposure literature, medical documents, and depositions in support of a toxicology expert in legal cases involving children in Oklahoma. The families alleged that their children’s prior blood lead levels resulted from wind-blown dust from mine waste piles and had caused behavioral and academic problems in school. Evaluated sources of exposure for each child and the potential effects associated with their blood lead levels.
Facilitated the collection of blood samples from participants on prescribed diets hypothesized to effect dioxin toxic-equivalent (TEQ) levels in human serum. Coordinated the storing and chain-of-custody of blood samples for batch shipment to contract laboratory for analysis and recorded participant ingestion of specified food items that result in high TEQ levels.
Solvents and Pesticides/Herbicides Evaluated recent epidemiological and toxicological literature on trichloroethylene exposure and health effects, including cancer, for facilities in which workers received historical exposure to trichloroethylene either in drinking water or by inhalation. Literature was also compared to health effects of residents living close to a facility that had some airborne emissions of trichloroethylene.
Identified data for national background concentrations of trichloroethylene and in major U.S. cities and compared these background sources with estimates of exposure to trichloroethylene for residents near a facility who were part of a class action lawsuit.
Prepared a state-of-the-art science report including literature review, analysis of toxicological data, review of regulatory values, and time lines regarding alleged acute and chronic health effects associated with occupational exposure to 1,1,1-trichloroethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride.
Critically reviewed toxicology of 1,4-dioxane, a solvent stabilizer detected in groundwater resources. Performed a literature review on the carcinogenicity of 1,4-dioxane and assessed the current toxicity values used to determine the risk of cancer from 1,4-dioxane exposure.
Served as task manager in preparing a state-of-the-art science report assessing chemical toxicity and providing perspective on the potential for residual levels of agricultural fumigants (i.e., ethylene dibromide, dichlorobromopropane, epichlorohydrin, and chlorinated propenes and propanes) in groundwater or from field drift to cause various alleged health effects (miscarriage, birth defects, cancers, asthma, lupus) in a community in Hawaii. Critically evaluated reports of opposing toxicologist, medical doctor, air modeler, groundwater modeler, and risk assessor in the validity of assumptions used by Monte Carlo simulations of risk to a community in Hawaii from potential exposure to agricultural fumigants.
Researched possible biomarkers to assess the toxicity of 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,2- dibromoethane and other compounds that have the same mechanism of action. Cutting edge mass spectrometric methods were used for proteomic analysis of protein modification.
Dioxins/Furans Performed a weight-of-evidence evaluation on the genotoxicity of dioxins as assessed by chromosomal aberrations by analyzing duration and level of exposure, type of aberrations indicating the kind of DNA damage and the analytical methods.
Assessed methods of analysis and detection of isomer-specific dioxins and furans in human and animal tissues from historical literature in order to normalize entries into a database (of over 15,000 entries) to be used in the “fingerprint” comparison of environmental and tissue isomer profiles.
Provided support for a human health risk assessment of a former municipal solid waste incinerator in Alaska. Issues included exposure to metals and PCDDs/Fs from ash released from the site.
Managed data collection, development of exposure and risk calculations, chemical fate modeling, and report preparation for human health and ecological risk assessments of industrial furnaces. Provided technical support for the negotiation of guidance modifications.
Organized and directed field studies, sample collection, sample analysis, data compilation, and data interpretation as project manager to a municipal hazardous waste incinerator in Washington. Prepared monthly status reports, project budgets, and invoices. Complied with federal, state, and local agency guidelines and regulations related to risk assessment.
Air Toxics
Evaluated and summarized current hypothetical mechanisms reported in the scientific literature on the mode of action for lung cancer and mesothelioma after asbestos exposure.
Assessed data gaps in the scientific literature regarding parameters that would affect the biopersistence of asbestos after exposure in the lung and the difference between asbestos and heat-treated asbestos.
Evaluated the mechanisms of early-life susceptibility and exposure to ethylene oxide in order to respond to the EPAs proposed risk assessment of children. Compared the differences between child and adult exposure parameters and metabolism pathways.
Managed the human health portion of the combined human health and ecological risk assessment conducting as part of siting an aluminum smelter. Risk estimates were derived from modeled air estimates for sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, PAH, and particulate material from a proposed aluminum smelter in Reyðarfjörður, Fjarðabyggð, Iceland. Assessed the predicted risk to determine whether there would be consequential differences in the level of risk posed by air emissions from the smelter operation with and without seawater scrubbers. Obtained a matrix of air modeling data for more than 10,000 receptor points under 99 discrete simulation scenarios to support the risk assessments. Incorporated spatially and temporally explicit exposure modeling in a probabilistic framework to evaluate risks to plants, birds, and mammals. All risk estimates were far below a level of concern (i.e., lower than one in a million, but PAH estimates were somewhat higher in this setting with seawater scrubbers.
Managed the critical evaluation of the human health risk assessment on air toxics in West Louisville, with specific attention to the assessment of potential risk from 1,3-butadiene. Managed the statistical analysis of 1,3-butadiene, chloroprene and acrylonitrile air data and meteorological data collected over 4 years at 12 monitoring stations throughout the industrial portion of Louisville to assess the potential impact from emissions of a rubber manufacturer. Discussed strategy of interactions with local Air Pollution Control District.
Compiled and reviewed the scientific literature from radon and second hand smoke to determine the potential impact on lung cancer risks as compared to that associated with asbestos exposure through the handling of rubberized gaskets containing asbestos.
Performed a literature review using toxicological expertise in the potential in vitro effects of chrysotile versus amphibolic (crocidolite) forms of asbestos. Summarized pertinent studies and compiled the summaries into a table for easy reference in a database used to evaluate the relative toxicity of the two forms asbestos.
Metals and Mining Managed a feasibility study on measuring the human factors and exposure to arsenic on the hands of children playing on play structures constructed of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. Contacted state, county and city parks and recreation departments to locate public playgrounds that contained treated wood play structures. Interacted with subcontractors to determine the extent and cost of videotaping behaviors, sampling hands and structure surfaces (wipes).
Conducted review of scientific literature regarding the use of arsenical compounds in feed additives for the poultry industry (roxarsone and nitarsone) and the subsequent use of the poultry litter as fertilizer for agricultural fields. Topics included comparative metabolism and arsenic forms excreted by poultry, the fate and transport of arsenic in the litter or soil, and evaluation of health and ecological issues.
Critically evaluated blood lead levels across the U.S. over time in comparison to local blood lead levels in residents living in a former mining area in Oklahoma. Determined the extent of lead exposure to children by reconstructing all possible sources of lead from medical records, lead levels in soil and dust, housing information, and description of home environment. Provided technical review of the final assessment of exposure.
Assessed the extent of lead exposure to residents of a public housing authority. Reviewed the toxicological literature on lead paint exposure and reconstructed lead exposure from all possible sources.
Summarized the cleanup levels for arsenic, lead, and cadmium in soil, focusing chiefly on mining and smelting sites. Cleanup levels were compiled from both scientific and policy considerations on the federal and state levels over time based on risk assessment, the regulatory agency, and community acceptance. Compiled background concentrations of arsenic and lead in soil on a state-by-state basis to compare to state screening levels. Basis of evaluation was from readily available records of decisions and site risk assessments. Information incorporated in to the decision process of establishing residential and industrial clean up levels in EPA region VIII.
Provided toxicological analysis and expertise in a discharge monitoring case. Analyzed possible effects of free cyanide, total cyanide, weak acid dissociable cyanide, and cyanide compounds in effluent compared to background exposure levels.
Designed and executed different protocols for the induction, compartmental detection, and extraction of the heavy metal shock protein, metallothionein, in the marine gastropod Littorina littorea. Employed several chemical and biochemical methods including high-pressure liquid chromatography, sample dissection and preparation, cell culture, radioisotope applications, transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
Product Safety Conducted a literature search and review of recent literature on coal tar and reactive airway dysfunction and compared to potential exposure to coal tar from a topical consumer product.
Assessed exposure and health risks for chemicals associated with fragrances used in various consumer products. Evaluated the potential for certain compounds to react with ozone and assessed the toxicity of the reaction by-products. Reviewed the scientific literature on various terpenes and identified data gaps and areas for additional research and investigation.
Summarized literature for the state-of-the-science review of potential exposure and health effects related to nanometal oxides proposed for use in a coating product. Evaluated exposure and health effects related to worker or consumer exposure and potential environmental effects. Assessed potential for exposure to nanoparticles from this product during manufacture and consumer use.
Reviewed primary literature, evaluated, and summarized the possibility for exposure, absorption, and adverse health effects after dermal exposure to nanosize ZnO and TiO2, as well as nanosilver used in cosmetic applications and dental care products.
Assessed the available human and ecological exposure and toxicity information on nanoscale cerium oxide (ceric oxide), which is used as an additive to diesel fuel.
Risk Communication and Public Speaking
Prepared public communication documents (brochures, handouts, mailings) and coordinated community meetings answering questions about exposure to arsenic in soil. Responded to participant queries on a project hotline regarding the purpose and progress of a biomonitoring project and basic arsenic toxicology. Wrote letters to individual families describing sampling results (urine, toenail, produce, and house dust). Wrote two brochures distributed to the community, one introducing the study and the other communicating the final study results.
Reviewed current literature on risk perception and effective risk communication to identify important issues and problems in the communication of risks characterized from arsenic exposure from CCA-treated wood.
Improved communication and public speaking skills as a charter member of Toastmasters International Eastgate Expounders club (chartered January 2005). Delivered a series of speeches resulting in achieving an Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) award. Conducted meetings, provided constructive evaluations, and increased listening skills. Served as club officer in the capacity of Vice President of Education (2 terms) during which the club earned its Distinguished Select President Award (2005-2006).
Managed and facilitated the Lab Partner Program, which employed inner-city high school students as museum employees to interface with the public. Maintained physical science laboratory for public hands-on discovery and exploration. Presented physical phenomena demonstrations to the public.
Developed curriculum and laboratory experiments for large classes (45+) with limited supplies. Taught physics, chemistry, biology, and geology in French in seventh to tenth grade classes ranging from 20 to 50 students. Administered written and oral national exams required for junior high and high school students to graduate to the next level. Served as science department head and seventh grade faculty advisor.
Co-authored and edited technical annual reports and documents submitted to the California EPA and Regional Water Quality Control Board of Southern California for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. Prepared and organized responses to public and governmental inquiries on effluent quality, contaminant distribution in organisms and sediments, and effluent effects on marine species present in the Southern California Bight.