Assessing Toxic Effects Of Environmental Pollutants

The study of the relationship between environmental pollution and human health is in its infancy. The number of substances and mixtures that have been identified in uncontrolled hazardous waste sites or that have been in advertently released into the environment is large and data on how thes~ substances are modified as they interact with one another as they migrate through soil, air, and water are limited. There are also limits on our un derstanding of how these substances may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by people. The complexity of possible interactions between biological, chemical, and physical components in a given environment makes it virtually impossible to evaluate the potential for adverse biological effects ade quately in the laboratory. Other, more comprehensive methods which provide realistic and interpretable results must be used. Many scientists believe that humans represent the ultimate sentinel species of a toxic exposure re sUlting from environmental pollution, however such exposures may also se verely impact environmental health. There exists a wide variety of organ isms in the natural environment that could be used to provide an early warning for potential human health effects as well as to indicate adverse ecological effects. The issue of effective utilization of sentinel species for environment al monitoring is a rapidly developing area of research which has grown in importance during the last decade.

Preceded by Exposure assessment in occupational and environmental epidemiology / edited by Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen. 1st ed. 2003.

Given the widespread presence of chemical compounds in the environment and their effects on organisms, there is an increasing need to better understand the mechanisms underlying their toxicity. This book brings together 13 chapters on a variety of topics from different areas of research in environmental pollutants toxicology. While it illustrates the toxic effects of several environmental contaminants on humans and the biota, it also introduces methodologies for assessing environmental contamination as well as remediation techniques.

Basic Environmental Toxicology provides a thorough, systematic introduction to environmental toxicology and addresses many of the effects of pollutants on humans, animals, and the environment. Readers are introduced to the fundamentals of toxicology and ecotoxicology, the effects of different types of toxicants, and how toxicants affect different compartments of the environment. Fundamental aspects of environmental health, occupational health, detection of pollutants, and risk assessment are discussed. The book is excellent for anyone involved in risk assessment or risk management, toxicologists, state and local public health officials, environmental engineers, industrial managers, consultants, and students taking environmental toxicology courses.

Public concern regarding environmental pollution and chemicals present in foods, consumer products, and the work place are at an all time high. Whilst there is widespread awareness, confusion still reigns, aggravated by conflicting reports concerning carcinogens in food and drinking water, or about chemicals present in medicines and household products that may cause birth defects. The effort to understand how these pollutants and chemical products may harm human health is led by scientists in the disciplines of toxicology, epidemiology and risk assessment. The central purpose of this book is to describe how scientists come to understand the toxic properties of such chemicals and the health risks they may pose. Rather than attempting to expose governmental and corporate ignorance, negligence or corruption, this book explores the underlying scientific issues. It presents a practical and balanced clarification of the scientific basis for our concerns and uncertainties. It should serve to refocus the debate.

Environmental Pollution: Health and Toxicology offers a comprehensive account of environmental pollution, environmental heath and environmental toxicology. While introducing different types of pollution, it simultaneously describes their effects on ecosystems (ecotoxicology), man, animals and plants. Due emphasis has been given to recently emerging problems viz. indoor air pollution, ground water pollution and solid waste pollution. It incorporates separate chapters on environmental toxicology of heavy metals, pesticides, insecticides and organic solvents. The book is an invaluable resource for those studying environmental pollution, ecology, ecotoxicology, epidemiology, occupational health, public health, environmental chemistry, medicine, environmental engineering and other related disciplines.