Research Center for Occupational Health and Environment

Introduction & Significance

A healthy environment is a fundamental determinant of quality of life. Environmental integrity and occupational safety are critical pillars of public health. Imbalances in environmental systems and workplace conditions can result in acute and chronic diseases, long-term disability, and even genetic effects.

Over recent decades, rapid industrialization and lifestyle changes have contributed to unsustainable development patterns, including:

• Overconsumption of water resources

• Increased urban and industrial waste production

• Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change

• Air pollution, fine particulate matter, and dust storms

These environmental pressures have generated complex health, social, economic, and ecological challenges at national and global levels.

Simultaneously, industrial expansion has intensified the need to safeguard workforce health. Assessment, identification, and control of occupational hazards have become essential components of industrial regulation and productivity enhancement. Human resources are central to sustainable economic development, and generating reliable, evidence-based data in environmental and occupational health is therefore essential.

The Research Center for Occupational Health and Environment at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences was established to address these challenges through multidisciplinary scientific research. By integrating expertise in Environmental Health, Occupational Health, and Occupational Medicine, the Center generates robust evidence to support health-protective policies, interventional programs, and sustainable development strategies at regional and national levels.

Through systematic monitoring of environmental and occupational pollutants, analysis of disease burden, capacity building of specialized human resources, and development of applied programs, the Center contributes to achieving a healthier environment and workforce for society.

The Research Center for Occupational Health and Environment received preliminary approval from the Council for the Expansion of Universities of Medical Sciences on February 21, 2021 (1399/12/03 SH), officially commencing its research activities in:

• Environmental Health

• Occupational Health

• Occupational Medicine

The Center currently comprises six full-time faculty members with expertise across these disciplines.

To contribute to the realization of “Healthy people in a healthy environment” as a foundation for sustainable development in Iran, aligned with global health and environmental goals.

To protect and promote public health through evidence-based research and capacity building in environmental and occupational health by:

• Identifying health hazards related to natural events and environmental physical, chemical, and biological agents

• Assessing and controlling occupational risk factors in workplaces

• Investigating the health impacts of environmental and occupational exposures, including cancers, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases

• Training and empowering specialized researchers and professionals

• Collaborating with national and international academic and executive institutions in accordance with national regulations

• Providing scientific evidence and policy guidance to improve environmental health indicators (water, air, food safety, and disease burden) and occupational health indices

• Delivering scientific, consultative, and technical services

• Designing and implementing national and international educational and research programs

Dr. Mehdi Jamshidi Rastani
Assistant Professor of Occupational Health Engineering
Head, Research Center for Occupational Health and Environment
Faculty Member, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences

Email: mhdjamshidy@yahoo.com
Phone: +98-23-32361718