Professional Summary
Dr. Franzblau became associate dean for research at the UM School of Public Health on January 1, 2011. His professional activities also include teaching, research, and the practice of clinical occupational medicine. He works on the University of Michigan Dioxin Exposure Study and is the co-chair of the Health IRB at the University. He graduated from the University of California School of Medicine in San Diego, completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington, and had advanced training in Occupational and Environmental Medicine at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York before joining the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 1989. He also holds academic appointments in the University of Michigan Medical School and College of Engineering.
Education
M.D., University of California, San Diego, 1983
M.S., Mathematics, Stanford University, 1978
B.A., Mathematics, Northwestern University, 1975
Research Interests & Projects
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Research in the Xi Lab mainly focuses on biofilms, water quality, and human health. We use molecular and genomic tools to understand molecular mechanisms of persistence and resistance of pathogens in natural, engineered and industrial environments; transmission routes of pathogens from environments to hosts; and their impacts on health of general public and industrial workers. We are particularly interested in the role of biofilms in these processes. In addition, we use advanced imaging tools, high throughput screening techniques, and nanotechnology ... More >> |
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Professor Garabrant is a physician who has conducted research in occupational and environmental epidemiology for the past 25 years. He is board certified in internal medicine, occupational medicine, and preventive medicine. Since joining the faculty at the University of Michigan in 1988, he has served as Director of the Occupational Medicine Program, Director of the Occupational Health Program, Director of the Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, and Director of the Cancer Prevention Training Program. He is a ... More >> |
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Characterization of microbial ecology in metal removal fluids and associated biofilms to determine the role of biofilms in MRF-related hypersensitive pneumonitis among workers in automobile plants.... More >> |
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Cross-sectional study to determine whether Michigan residents living on or near soils contaminated with dioxins, furans and PCBs experience increased exposure. ... More >> |
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Metal machining requires lubrication and dispersion of generated heat. Several distinct classes of metalworking fluids are used to accomplish these goals. Exposure these fluids is widespread in the automotive industry. Our study of acute respiratory effects associated with inhalational exposure to metalworking fluid aerosols in an automotive transmission plant resulted in a number of novel findings: large cross shift decrements in FEV1 and FVC were seen in those with exposure but not in unexposed controls, significant associations ... More >> |
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The effects of coal dust exposure on the respiratory tract are complex. Long term work as a coal miner at relatively high exposures has been associated with the risk for pneumoconiotic X ray changes which may be accompanied by a restrictive pattern of pulmonary function. In addition, at perhaps lower exposures, coal mining is associated with chronic bronchitis and obstructive PFT changes. We conducted the first-ever epidemiologic study of the respiratory health of coal miners in South Africa. Because ... More >> |
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Copper and most other metal ores are frequently found in association with high concentrations of crystalline silica. Respiratory diseases associated with silica exposures may include silicosis, silico-tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our group is investigating associations, among a cohort of active and retired copper miners, of exposure to respirable dust, and especially respirable silica, and measures of respiratory health status including symptoms, pulmonary function testing, and chest radiography. Individual miners' current and cumulative dust and ... More >> |
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Selected Publications
Search PubMed for publications by Alfred Franzblau >>
Werner, R.A., Franzblau, A., Gell, N, Hartigan, A.G., Ebersole, M. and Armstrong, T.J. (2005). Incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Auto Assembly Workers and Assessment of Risk Factors Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 10, 1044-1050.
Franzblau, A., Werner, R.A. and Yihan. J. (2004). Pre-placement nerve testing for carpal tunnel syndrome: Is it cost effective? Occ Environ Med, In Press.
Tong, H.C., Werner, R.A. and Franzblau, A. (2004). The effect of aging on sensory nerve conduction study parameters. Muscle & Nerve, In Press.
Trout, D., Weissman, D.N., Brundage, R.A., Franzblau, A. and Remick, D. (2003). Evaluation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis among workers exposed to metal removal fluids. Appl Occ Environ Hyg, 18, 953-960.
Franzblau, A. and Sahakian, N. (2003). Asthma following household exposure to hydrofluoric acid. Am J Ind Med, 44(3), 321-324.
Batterman, S., Zhang, L., Wang, S. and Franzblau, A. (2002). Partition coefficients for trihalomethanes among blood, urine, water, milk and air. Science of the Total Environment, 284, 237-247.
Armstrong, T.J., Franzblau, A., Haig, A., Keyserling, W.M., Levine, S., Streilein, K., Ulin S., and Werner, R. (2001). Developing ergonomic solutions for prevention of musculoskeletal disorder disability. Assistive Technology, 13(2), 78-87.
Werner, R.A., Hamann, C., Franzblau, A. and Rodgers, P. (2002). Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and upper extremity tendonitis among dental hygienists. J Dent Hygiene, 76(2), 126-132.
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