Fredric Gerr

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University of Iowa
College of Public Health
Occupational & Environmental Health
ProfessorAppointed: 2002
Professional Headshot of Fredric Gerr

Mailing Address

140 Institute for Rural and Environmental Health
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
United States

Qualifications

M.D., State University of New York at Stony Brook, 1982.
B.A., Clark University, Chemistry, 1978.

Expertise and Research Interests

My research interests include the following:
occupational and environmental exposure to neurotoxicants
health effects of exposure to heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides
detection of carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve entrapment syndromes
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders of occupational origin
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bioaerosol-related health effects
health effects of office work
clinical occupational medicine
occupational epidemiology

Other Expertise

I have served as author or co-author of the following book chapters.

1. Jones AA, Robinson GL, Gerr F. A comparison of models and model parameters for the interpretation of carbon-13 relaxation in common polymers. In: Carbon-13 NMR in Polymer Science. American Chemical Society Symposium Series. Pasika WM, editor. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society, 1979.

2. Gerr F, The health effect of asbestos exposure. The WLA Asbestos Abatement Training Program: Asbestos Abatement Professional Manual. New York: The White Lung Association, 1987.

3. Gerr F, Letz,R. Chapter 66. Solvents. In: Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Second Edition. Rom W, editor. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1992.

4. Gerr F. Chapter 3. Arbitration of medical and health issues. In: Arbitration 1992: Improving Arbitration and Advocacy Skills. Washington, DC: BNA Books, 1993.

5. Gerr F, Letz, R. Organic Solvents. In: Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Third Edition. Rom W, editor. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, 1998.

6. Herbert R, Dropkin J, Levin S, Marino P, GerrF, Kolber E. Diagnosis and medical management of work-related neck and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in dental care workers. In: Ergonomics and the Dental Care Worker. Murphy DC, editor. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association, 1998.

7. Gerr F, Galaid E, Frumkin H. Occupational and environmental health. In: Principles of Toxicology, Second Edition. Williams P, James R, Roberts S, editors. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 2000.

Keywords

COS Keywords:

Asbestos, Biomechanics, Environmental Health, Environmental Health Standards, Environmental Medicine, Occupational Health and Safety, Occupational Hygiene, Safety, Skeletal Disease.

Additional Terms:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lead, Low Back Pain, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Neurotoxicity, Occupational Epidemiology, Occupational Medicine, Peripheral Neuropathy, Pesticides.

Memberships

Delta Omega Honorary Society, National Public Health Honorary Society
Human Factors Society

Honors and Awards

2000, Member, Delta Omega Honorary Society
1999, Co-author of nominated paper, CDC/ATSDR Charles C. Shepard Science Award, 'Neurotoxicity in Young Adults 20 Years After Childhood Exposure to Lead: The Bunker Hill Experience'
1993, Professor of the Year, School of Public Health Student Government Association, Emory University
1988-1990, Charles A. Dana Foundation Fellowship in Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY

Previous Positions

2001-2002, Professor, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Environmental & Occupational Health
2000-2002, Director, Emory University, The Emory Clinic, Occupational Medicine Consultation Clinic
1997-2002, Director, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Occupational Medicine Residency Program
1995-2001, Associate Professor, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Environmental & Occupational Health
1992-1997, Deputy Director, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Occupational Medicine Residency Program
1991-1995, Assistant Professor, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
1990-1991, Assistant Professor, Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University, Community Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Medicine
1988-1990, Instructor, Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University, Community Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Medicine
1987-1988, Assistant Professor, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Division of Occupational Medicine
1987-1988, Assistant Professor, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Medicine
1987-1988, Lecturer, Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University, Community Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Medicine
1985-1987, Resident, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Occupational and Environmental Medicine
1982-1985, Resident, Baystate Medical Center, Internal Medicine

Funding Received

  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders Among VDT Operators, $1,300,000, Sep 1999 to Sep 2003.
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Musculoskeletal Disorders among VDT Operators, $2,400,000, Sep 1994 to Sep 1999.
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Co-Investigator, Grant to Evaluate Neurolobehavioral and Neurophysiologic Outcomes among Formerly Mercury Exposed Workers, R. Letz, PI, $165,000, Oct 1994 to Oct 1995.
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Quantitative Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, $149,900, Oct 1990 to Sep 1993.
  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Co-Investigator, Contract for Neurobehavioral and Neurophysiologic Evaluaton of Formerly Lead Exposed Young Adults, R. Letz, PI, $150,000, Jul 1994 to Jul 1995.
  • World Health Organization: Long-term Neurological Effects of Toxic Oil Syndrome, Jan 1998 to Dec 1999.
  • National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences: Co-Investigator, Cohort Study of Former Employees of a Chloralkali Plant in Brunswick, GA, H. Frumkin, PI, Jan 1997 to Dec 1998.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Contract for Technical Assistance with an Epidemiologic Study of Epidemic Neuropathy in Cuba, $16,500, Jan 1994 to Jul 1994.
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Contract for Measurement of Nerve Conduction Velocity Among Workers at a Major U.S. Newspaper, $19,500, Dec 1990 to Dec 1990.
  • Sony Electronics Corporation: Co-Investigator, Contract to Evaluate a New Consumer Electronics Device for Adverse Health Effects, R. Letz, PI, $225,000, Aug 1995 to Aug 1996.
  • NIH: Neurological Outcomes among Pesticide Applicators, $1,213,561, 2005 to 2008.
  • Center to Protect Workers Rights: Co-PI, Effectiveness of Interventions for Overhead Work, 2004 to 2009.
  • NIOSH: Prospective Study of UEMSD (Upper Musculoskeletal Disorders) and Physical Job Stressors (Ergonomist), $1,153,340, 2003 to 2008.
  • Emory University: Preventing musculoskeletal disorders among VDT operators, $41,147, 2003 to 2003.
  • CDC: Co-Investigator, Heartland Center for Occupational and Health and Safety ERC, N Sprince, PI, 2000 to 2013.
  • National Instititue of Occupational Safety and Health: Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency Training Program, $450,000, 1998 to 2013.
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health / E.R.C., Inc.: Co- Investigator, Assessment of Workers' Postural Sway in Field Studies, R. Letz, PI, $24,900, 1990 to 1991.

Publications

  • Anton D, Gerr F, Meyers A, Cook TM, Rosecrance JC, Reynolds J (Feb 2007) Effect of aviation snip design and task height on upper extremity muscular activity and wrist posture., Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene, 4 (2), 99-113 Abstract
  • Fethke NB, Anton DC, Cavanaugh JE, Gerr F, Cook Tm (2007) Bootstrap exploration of surface electromyography sampling duration and exposure estimate precision, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 33, 358-67
  • Hannan LM, Monteilh CP, Gerr F, Kleinbaum DG, Marcus M (2005) Job strain and risk of musculoskeletal symptoms among a prospective cohort of occupational computer users, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 31 (5), 375-86
  • Anton D, Rosecrance JC, Gerr F, Merlino LA, Cook TM (2005) Effect of concrete block weight and wall height on electromyographic activity and heart rate of masons, Ergonomics, 48 (10), 1314-30
  • Gerr F, Marcus M, Monteilh C, Hannan L, Ortiz D, Kleinbaum D, A Randomised Controlled Trial of Postural Interventions for Prevention Of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Computer Users., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 62(7), 478-87, Jul 2005 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Marcus M, Monteilh C (2004) Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users: Lessons learned from the role of posture and keyboard use, Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 14, 25-31
  • Gerr F, Zwerlling C (2004) Point of View, Spine, 29 (77)
  • Mitchell CS, Moline J, Avery AN, Baker D, Blessman JE, Carson AI, Cosby O, Darcey D, Ducatman A, Emmett EA, Forst L, Gerr F, et al, In response to the 2002, vol. 22, no. 4 article entitled 'The rise and fall of occupational medicine in the US', American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 23(4), 307-9, November 2002 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Stokes L, Chettle D, McNeill F, Kaye W, Association between bone lead concentration and blood pressure among young adults, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 42(2), 98-106, Aug 2002 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Marcus M, Monteilh C, Aerobic exercise, median nerve conduction, and the reporting of study results, 44(4), 303, April 2002 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Marcus M, Ensor C, Kleinbaum D, Cohen S, Edwards A, Gentry E, Ortiz DJ, Monteilh C, A prospective study of computer users: I. Study design and incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 41(4), 221-35, April 2002 Abstract
  • Marcus M, Gerr F, Monteilh C, Ortiz DJ, Gentry E, Cohen S, Edwards A, Ensor C, Kleinbaum D, A prospective study of computer users: II. Postural risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 41(4), 236-49, April 2002 Abstract
  • Frumkin H, Letz R, Williams PL, Gerr F, Pierce M, Sanders A, Elon L, Manning CC, Woods JS, Hertzberg VS, Mueller P, Taylor BB, Health effects of long-term mercury exposure among chloralkali plant workers, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 39(1), 1-18, Jan 2001 Abstract
  • Mani L, Gerr F, Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, Primary Care, 27(4), 845-64, December 2000 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Mani L, Work-related low back pain, Primary Care, 27(4), 865-76, December 2000 Abstract
  • Letz R, Gerr F, Reliability of some tremor measurement outcome variables in field testing situations, Neurotoxicology, 21(5), 737-42, October 2000 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Epidemiological case definitions of peripheral neuropathy: experience from two neurotoxicity studies, Neurotoxicology, 21(5), 761-8, October 2000 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Green RC, Relationships between quantitative measures and neurologist's clinical rating of tremor and standing steadiness in two epidemiological studies, Neurotoxicology, 21(5), 753-60, October 2000 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Ryan PB, Green RC, Neurological effects of environmental exposure to arsenic in dust and soil among humans, Neurotoxicology, 21(4), 475-87, August 2000 Abstract
  • Letz R, Gerr F, Cragle D, Green RC, Watkins J, Fidler AT, Residual neurologic deficits 30 years after occupational exposure to elemental mercury, Neurotoxicology, 21(4), 459-74, August 2000 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Clinical diagnostic tests for carpal tunnel syndrome, Journal of Hand Surgery, 25(4), 778-9, July 2000 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Marcus M, Ortiz D, White B, Jones W, Cohen S, Gentry E, Edwards A, Bauer E, Computer users' postures and associations with workstation characteristics, Aihaj : a Journal for the Science of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, 61(2), 223-30, 2000 Abstract
  • Herbert R, Gerr F, Dropkin J, Clinical evaluation and management of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 37(1), 62-74, Jan 2000 Abstract
  • Deitchman S, Gerr F, Yoga for carpal tunnel syndrome, JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 281(22), 2087-8; discussion 2, 1999 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Marcus M, Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome, Archives of Internal Medicine, 159(9), 1008-10, 1999 Abstract
  • Rempel D, Evanoff B, Amadio PC, de Krom M, Franklin G, Franzblau A, Gray R, Gerr F, Hagberg M, Hales T, Katz JN, Pransky G, Consensus criteria for the classification of carpal tunnel syndrome in epidemiologic studies, American Journal of Public Health, 88(10), 1447-51, October 1998 Abstract
  • Stokes L, Letz R, Gerr F, Kolczak M, McNeill FE, Chettle DR, Kaye WE, Neurotoxicity in young adults 20 years after childhood exposure to lead: the Bunker Hill experience, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 55(8), 507-16, August 1998 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, The sensitivity and specificity of tests for carpal tunnel syndrome vary with the comparison subjects., Journal of Hand surgery. British Volume, 23(2), 151-5, April 1998 Abstract
  • Culver JD, Gerr F, Frumkin H, Medical information on the Internet: a study of an electronic bulletin board, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 12(8), 466-70, August 1997 Abstract
  • Ortiz D J, Marcus M, Gerr F, Jones W, Cohen S, Measurement variability in upper extremity posture among VDT users., Applied Ergonomics, 28(2), 139-43, April 1997 Abstract
  • GanNichida T, Ervin A, Gemmill MC, Gerr F, Letz R, Effects of viewing a movie using new HMD on ophtahalmic and neurobehavioral function and symptom report, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 38, 3928, 1997
  • Gerr F, Marcus M, Ortiz D J, Methodological limitations in the study of video display terminal use and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 29(6), 649-56, June 1996 Abstract
  • Marcus M, Gerr F, Upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms among female office workers: associations with video display terminal use and occupational psychosocial stressors., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 29(2), 161-70, February 1996 Abstract
  • Letz R, Gerr F, Harris-Abbott D, Dick R, A comparison of standing steadiness measurements from two devices: covariates and normal values., Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 18(1), 83-8, January 1996 Abstract
  • Letz R, Gerr F, Standing steadiness measurements: empirical selection of testing protocol and outcome measures, Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 17(6), 611-6, 1995 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Harris-Abbott D, Hopkins L C, Sensitivity and specificity of vibrometry for detection of carpal tunnel syndrome., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 37(9), 1108-15, September 1995 Abstract
  • Herbert R, Gerr F, Luo J, Harris-Abbott D, Landrigan P J, Peripheral neurologic abnormalities among roofing workers: sentinel case and clinical screening., Archives of Environmental Health, 50(5), 349-54, September 1995 Abstract
  • Frumkin H, Gerr F, Hessl SM, Cullen M, Schwartz B, Mitchell CS, Weaver VM, Pransky G, Frank AL, Balmes J, Ethics, occupational medicine, and ACOEM, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 37(2), 127-8 133, February 1995 Abstract
  • The Cuba Neuropathy Field Investigation Team, Epidemic optic neuropathy in Cuba: Clinical characterization and risk factors, The New England Journal of Medicine, 333, 1176-1182, 1995
  • Diamond R, White RF, Gerr F, Feldman RG, A case of developmental exposure to inorganic mercury, Child Neuropsychology, 1, 140-149, 1995
  • Letz R, Gerr F, Harris-Abbott D, Heterogeneity of effects of ethanol ingestion on postural stability as measured by two devices., Neurotoxicology, 15(3), 603-7, 1 Oct 1994 Abstract
  • White RF, Gerr F, Cohen RF, Green R, Lezak MD, Lybarger J, Mack J, Silbergeld E, Valciukas J, Chappell W, Criteria for progressive modification of neurobehavioral batteries, Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 16(5), 511-24, 1994 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Frumkin H, Hodgins P, Hemolytic anemia following succimer administration in a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient patient., Journal of toxicology. Clinical Toxicology, 32(5), 569-75, 1994 Abstract
  • Letz R, Gerr F, Covariates of human peripheral nerve function: I. Nerve conduction velocity and amplitude., Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 16(1), 95-104, January 1994 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Covariates of human peripheral nerve function: III. Effects of reported drinking., Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 16(1), 113-22, January 1994 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Covariates of human peripheral nerve function: II. Vibrotactile and thermal thresholds., Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 16(1), 105-12, January 1994 Abstract
  • Meggs WJ, Gerr F, Aly MH, Kierena T, Roberts DL, Shih R, Kim HC, Hoffman R, The treatment of lead poisoning from gunshot wounds with succimer (DMSA), Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology, 32(4), 377-85, 1994 Abstract
  • Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, Pan American Health Organization, Emory University School of Medicine, FDA, CDC, Epidemic Neuropathy - Cuba, 1991- 1994, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Review, 43, 183-192, 1994
  • Frumkin H, Gerr F, Dimercaptosuccinic acid in the treatment of depression following lead exposure., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 24(6), 701-6, December 1993 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Vibrotactile threshold testing in occupational health: a review of current issues and limitations., Environmental Research, 60(1), 145-59, January 1993 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome in industry: blaming the victim? [letter; comment], Journal of Occupational Medicine, 34(11), 1117-9, November 1992 Abstract
  • Letz R, Cherniack M G, Gerr F, Hershman D, Pace P, A cross sectional epidemiological survey of shipyard workers exposed to hand-arm vibration., British Journal of Industrial Medicine, 49(1), 53-62, January 1992 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Hershman D, Farraye J, Simpson D, Comparison of vibrotactile thresholds with physical examination and electrophysiological assessment., Muscle and Nerve, 14(11), 1059-66, November 1991 Abstract
  • Letz R, Gerr F E, Simpson D M, Toward more rational nerve conduction interpretations: the effect of height [letter; comment], Muscle and Nerve, 14(5), 479-80, May 1991 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Landrigan P J, Upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders of occupational origin., Annual Review of Public Health, 12, 543-66, 1991 Abstract
  • Cherniack M G, Letz R, Gerr F, Brammer A, Pace P, Detailed clinical assessment of neurological function in symptomatic shipyard workers., British Journal of Industrial Medicine, 47(8), 566-72, August 1990 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Hershman D, Letz R, Vibrotactile threshold measurement for detecting neurotoxicity: reliability and determination of age- and height-standardized normative values., Archives of Environmental Health, 45(3), 148-54, May 1990 Abstract
  • Gerr F, Letz R, Hershman D, Farraye J, Simpson D, Comparison of rapidly determined vibrotactile perception thresholds with NCV/EMG and physical examination, Neurology, 40(Suppl. 1), 126, 1990
  • Letz R, Gerr F, Vibrotactile thresholds as measures of peripheral nerve dysfunction in occupational epidemiology, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 87(Suppl. 1), S78, 1990
  • Gerr FE, Letz R, Reliability of a widely used test of peripheral cutaneous vibration sensitivity and a comparison of two testing protocols, British Journal of Industrial Medicine, 45(9), 635-9, September 1988 Abstract

Profile Details

Last Updated: 9/10/2009

COS Expertise ID #386112
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