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18 Nov 2005 10:08:50
The University of Luton’s Vice Chancellor has presented a keynote lecture and chaired a high-profile scientific event which looked at environmental pollution and its effects on human health.
Professor Les Ebdon chaired one of six sessions at the 12th Hungarian-Italian Symposium on Spectrochemistry.
The event, which was held at the regional headquarters of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, is a government-backed scientific and technical programme run by representatives from Italy and Hungary.
Professor Ebdon was delighted to speak at the event. He said: “This particular event takes place every two years and attracts experts from around Europe. I was very honoured to be invited to present my paper and felt very proud to represent the University.”
The aim of the symposium is to give experts a forum to discuss the results of analytical chemistry research in a bid to protect human health and the environment.
Major advances in scientific techniques were presented at 30 lectures during the five-day event. As well as contributions by Hungarian and Italian scientists, a number of high-profile scientists from around Europe gave talks.
Professor Ebdon presented a paper on how the chemical form of chromium is measured in environmental pollution and its impact on human health.
Exposure to chromium has long been associated with increased incidence of cancer while another form, chromium 6, is essential for health and is said to be deficient in diabetics.
The paper described how a newly developed measuring method can distinguish between the different species of chromium in a variety of environmental samples.
Explaining his findings, Professor Ebdon said: “I described a method where a specially treated silica tube is used to separate the two forms of chromium. The inside of the tube is chemically treated so that it retains one or other of the species.
“There was particular interest from a number of public health and industrial professionals in such effective means of measuring the two forms of chromium.”
Professor Ebdon obtained both his BSc and PhD at Imperial College, London. He lectured in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Plymouth for several years before becoming Head of Department of Environmental Sciences in 1989 and Pro Vice Chancellor. He joined the University of Luton in September 2003. He is an internationally recognised expert on environmental analytical chemistry.
To find out more about studying science-related subjects at the University of Luton call 0800 389 6633 or visit www.luton.ac.uk.
Latest news» 2005» Nov» University Expert puts Spotlight on Human Health at EU Conference
