US EPA

6793097 

Journal Article 

Metal Exposures and Human Health-Historical Development, Current Importance, and Toxicological Concepts for Prevention 

Nordberg, GF; Fowler, BA; , 

2019 

ACADEMIC PRESS LTD-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD 

LONDON 

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR HUMAN METAL EXPOSURES: MODE OF ACTION AND KINETIC APPROACHES 

1-29 

10.1016/B978-0-12-804227-4.00001-7 

WOS:000533480300002 

Metallic elements constitute a large proportion of all existing elements. They are intrinsic components of the earth's crust and the environment, thus causing variable exposures of humans. Metallic macroelements occurring in high concentrations in human tissues play a key role in the practice of clinical medicine and are not included in the present book, which focuses in trace metals/metalloids, i.e., those metallic elements that occur in trace concentrations in human tissues. These metals are also those that have widespread use in various industrial processes and consumer products and such anthropogenic processes have increased human exposures. Many metallic chemical species such as inorganic and organic compounds of lead and mercury as well as inorganic compounds of arsenic and cadmium are recognized as toxic agents causing acute and chronic poisoning at high exposures. Epidemiological studies in recent decades have demonstrated that relatively low exposures in the general environment increase the occurrence of several diseases. The total worldwide exposure to metallic species makes an important contribution to the global burden of disease. This book deals with the risk and hazard assessment of human exposures to these metallic species. Such assessments are crucial in order to estimate the likelihood that existing exposures cause human disease or other adverse effects and for judging the need for societal action to reduce exposures. Some trace metals are essential for human life and well-being, and a minimum daily intake from food is required. For population groups with lower intakes, deficiency will result in disease states, also contributing to the global burden of disease. There is an obvious need to define exposures leading to toxicity or deficiency and to recommend preventive action. This chapter discusses, in an introductory way, historical developments in the field as well as current methods and exposure situations of importance for estimation of hazards and risks related to human metal exposures. It further draws attention to issues of current concern for hazard assessment, risk assessment, and prevention. The subsequent chapters of this book further develop these considerations. 

978-0-12-804227-4