Health Effects Institute

The Health Effects Institute (HEI) is a non-profit corporation specializing in research on the health effects of air pollution. It was founded in 1980 and operates as a 501(c)(3) organization.

History and Formation

HEI was established with Archibald Cox as its founding chair. The organization receives balanced funding, typically half from the worldwide motor vehicle industry and half from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, ensuring a public-private partnership model. Other public and private organizations also contribute to special projects or research programs[1][2].

Mission and Roles

HEI focuses on identifying high-priority areas for health effects research, overseeing research activities, and providing intensive independent reviews of sponsored and related studies. It integrates its research results with those from other institutions to inform broader evaluations and communicates findings to stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and the public[1][2].

Research Impact

HEI has funded over 390 research projects across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. These studies have contributed significantly to understanding the health impacts of pollutants like carbon monoxide, air toxics, nitrogen oxides, diesel exhaust, ozone, particulate matter, and more. The results have been published in comprehensive reports and numerous peer-reviewed articles[2].

Organizational Structure

HEI is governed by a Board of Directors comprising science and policy leaders. The organization operates with independent Research and Review Committees to ensure impartiality and objectivity. These committees select, oversee, and evaluate research projects without influence from sponsors[1][2].

HEI Energy

HEI Energy is a nonprofit affiliate focused on providing unbiased science about potential human exposures and health effects related to energy development, particularly unconventional oil and gas development. It receives joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the oil and gas industry, ensuring research independence[4].