In Silico methods to predict toxicity have become increasingly important recently, particularly in light of European legislation such as REACH and the Cosmetics Regulation. They are also being used extensively worldwide e.g. in the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia. In assessing the risk that a chemical may pose to human health or to the environment, focus is now being directed towards exploitation of in silico methods to replace in vivo or in vitro techniques. A prediction of potential toxicity requires several stages: 1) Collation and organisation of data available for the compound, or if this is not available, information for related compounds. 2) An assessment of the quality of the data. 3) Generation of additional information about the compound using computational techniques at various levels of complexity - calculation of physico-chemical properties, 2-D, 3-D / MO descriptors and specific receptor modelling / interaction. 4) Use of an appropriate strategy to predict toxicity - ie a statistically valid method which makes best use of all available information (mechanism of action, activity for related compounds, extrapolation across species and endpoints, likely exposure scenario amounts over time etc). 5) Consideration then needs to be given to how this information is used in the real world ie use of expert systems / tools as relevant to assessors (if sufficiently different to previous) - weight of evidence approaches. 6) Finally evidence should be presented from case studies within this area. No other publication brings together information on all of these areas in one book and this publication is unique in that it provides a logical progression through every one of these key stages and defines the use of computational approaches to predict the environmental toxicity and human health effects of organic chemicals. The volume is aimed at the developers and users of in silico toxicology and provides an analysis of all aspects required for in silico prediction of toxicology, including data collation, quality assessment and computational approaches. The contributions from recognised leaders in each of these areas include evidence of the use and applicability of approaches using real world case studies concerning both environmental and human health effects. The book provides a very useful single source reference for people working in this area including academics, professionals, under- and post-graduate students as well as Governmental Regulatory Scientists involved in chemical risk assessment and REACH.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element and, as such, it is present in the environment and in our food and drink. It can even be involved in supporting life processes. However, due to its toxicity, there is concern about its presence in our diet. This book examines the real risks and impacts of arsenic in our lives. Looking at arsenic and its compounds, this book explores the presence of arsenic in food and water, the need to clarify its toxicity, and current scientific and public misconceptions about arsenic. It also looks at the use of arsenic in medicine, from cancer treatments to alternative therapies such as homeopathy. Following on from "Is Arsenic an Aphrodisiac?: The Sociochemistry of an Element", this book continues the authors work in addressing the issues surrounding arsenic. It is a fascinating read for general readers as it unveils the reality of our exposure to arsenic in our daily lives.

Concerns about the adverse effects of chemicals present in the environment have created a need for better systems to assess their potential consequences on human health. One potential solution is the versatile and state-of-the-art Comet assay. Simple, sensitive, rapid and visual, this modern toxicological method allows quantitative and qualitative assessment of DNA damage in single cells. This assay is used in diverse fields ranging from clinical applications, human monitoring and environmental toxicology through to genetic toxicity testing. This updated and revised edition of The Comet Assay in Toxicology provides the latest information on this important tool. It addresses, in-depth, the different protocols, statistical analyses and applications used worldwide. It also includes the guidelines recommended by the Working Group on Comet Assay. The book begins with a review of the genesis of the assay for those new to the technique and goes on to explain procedures followed to assess different types of DNA damage, various applications of the assay, and guidelines for the conduct of the assay in in vitro and in vivo systems. New chapters written for this edition will provide information on the most contemporary approaches and applications, including in silico approaches, on meta-analysis of data and on the application of the Comet Assay in nanotoxicology. This book will serve as both a reference and a guide to students as well as investigators in the biomedical, biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences fields.

As society has become increasingly concerned with the protection and preservation of the environment, many industries have been pushed to comply with new policies and social demands for more environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices and products. However, the textile dyeing industry remains a significant source of complex environmental issues with legislative requirements that often vary in detail and severity concerning the exposure and hazards of potentially harmful chemicals and other associated materials. It is vital that the industry sector involved in the application of dyes continues to be sensitive to potential adverse effects on the environment in its widest sense and respond accordingly. Impact of Textile Dyes on Public Health and the Environment is an essential reference source that focuses on the environmental impact and social responsibility of the dyeing industry. While highlighting topics such as toxicology, bleaching, and greenhouse gases, this publication is ideally designed for chemists, industrialists, non-governmental organization members, environmentalists, fashion designers, clothes manufacturers, scientists, academicians, researchers, students, and practitioners seeking current research on dyeing's potentially adverse effects on the environment and strategic, effective responses.

This publication offers a comprehensive collection of 70 "building blocks," which are primary prevention strategies that merit consideration by state and local governments and others in position to reduce exposure to hazards in housing and thereby help meet the Healthy People 2010 goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning. Exemplary strategies span a broad spectrum which includes targeting high-risk properties; widely instituting safe work practices; building community capacity to check for hazards and work safety; delivering hazard assessment, control and prevention services; motivating action; screening high-risk housing; expanding financial resources; strengthening enforcement; raising public awareness and support; and establishing valuable partnerships. A strategy has been considered for inclusion as a building block if it is sensitive to the economics of affordable housing, consistent with the principles of public health, holds the potential for broad-scale impact, stands a reasonable possibility of implementation, and offers promise for reducing lead and other environmental health hazards in high-risk housing. The summary of each building block is coupled with an illustration of how the strategy has been implemented and contact information for at least one individual who is knowledgeable about this activity. The purpose of disseminating Building Blocks for Primary Prevention: Protecting Children from Lead-Based Paint Hazards is to allow programs and policymakers easy access to information about innovative and promising strategies that span the spectrum of primary prevention, from which they may select one or several to pursue based on their jurisdiction's needs and political and economic realities.

Our world and bodies are becoming increasingly polluted with chemicals capable of interfering with our hormones and thus, possibly, our present and future neural and mental health. As authors Heather Patisaul and Scott Belcher outline, there is a large lack of data and evidence in this causal relationship, which begs a need for further study to accelerate progress in the endocrinology and neuroendocrinology fields. Endocrine Disruptors, Brain, and Behavior focuses on if and how these chemicals, known as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), affect the development and function of the brain and might be contributing to neural disorders rapidly rising in prevalence. The book provides an overall synthesis of the EDC field, including its historical roots, major hypotheses, key findings, and research gaps. The authors explain why even the concept of endocrine disruption is controversial in some circles, how differing definitions of endocrine disruption and what constitutes an "adverse" outcome on the brain shape public policy, and where the current capacity by different stakeholders (industry, academia, regulatory agencies) to evaluate chemicals for safety in a regulatory context begins and ends. The book concludes with suggestions for future research needs and a summary of emerging technology which might prove capable of more effectively evaluating existing and emerging chemicals for endocrine disrupting properties. As such, it provides the context for interdisciplinary and innovative input from a broad spectrum of fields, including those well-schooled in neuroscience, evolutionary biology, brain, behavior, sex differences, and neuroendocrinology.