Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to alpha- and beta-hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH). These two isomers are by-products in the manufacturing of lindane, and may be present in this pesticide as impurities. Alpha- and beta-HCH are also present in technical-grade HCH, which is used in agriculture and wood protection. Most environmental releases are linked to the use of technical-grade HCH and to the inappropriate disposal of residues produced when lindane is purified.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to acrolein, a chemical produced in large quantities and used as an intermediate in the synthesis of several chemicals, most notably acrylic acid and its esters and DL-methionine, an essential amino acid used as a feed supplement for poultry and cattle. Acrolein also has direct application as an aquatic biocide used against algae, molluscs, and herbs in recirculating process water systems, irrigation channels, cooling water towers, and water treatment ponds. Acrolein accounts for about 3 to 10% of total automobile exhaust aldehydes, 1 to 13% of total wood-smoke aldehydes, and up to 7% of the aldehydes in cigarette smoke. The report notes that exposure of the general population occurs mainly via air, with mainstream and sidestream tobacco smoke representing the most important source. Other sources of exposure include inhalation of air polluted by vehicle exhausts, direct contact with acrolein-treated water, and consumption of alcoholic beverages and certain food items. Concerning effects on the environment, the report cites studies documenting adverse effects on crops grown on soil irrigated by acrolein-treated water, and a very high toxicity for bacteria, algae, crustacea, and fish, with bacteria being the most sensitive species. Acrolein is noted to threaten aquatic life at or near sites of industrial discharge or spills and in areas where acrolein is used as a biocide.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to isobenzan. This cyclodiene insecticide was manufactured in the Netherlands from 1958 to 1965 and used from existing stocks for several years thereafter. Present sources of human and environmental exposure are restricted to the original waste-disposal sites and to polders which were built up using mud dredged from contaminated harbour areas. Although recent research on this insecticide has been limited, the report draws heavily on a number of proprietary toxicological studies made available by the manufacturer.

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by the use of beryllium, a brittle metal having major applications in the electronics and micro-electronics industries, in nuclear energy, and in the production of military devices, including satellites, missiles, atomic bombs, and other weapons. Beryllium has also proved its superiority as a structural material for aircraft and spacecraft.

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by the production and use of tricresyl phosphate. Tricresyl phosphate is used in industry as a plasticizer in vinyl plastic manufacture, as a flame-retardant, as a solvent for nitrocellulose, in cellulosic molding compositions, and in the manufacture of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids and lubricants. Because of the physico-chemical properties of tricresyl phosphate and its rapid biodegradation, the report concludes that use of the compound does not threaten the environment, though there is some evidence that crop plants can be affected by tri-o-cresyl phosphate released from plastic coverings. A section devoted to kinetics and metabolism concentrates on mechanisms of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination that can help explain the well-documented neuropathic actions of tricresyl phosphate and, most notably, its highly toxic isomer, tri-o-cresyl phosphate. The most extensive section assesses findings from toxicity studies, emphasizing the large number of studies documenting neurotoxic effects, often at very low doses. These effects are further characterized through a review of the numerous reported cases of large-scale human poisoning following the ingestion of accidentally or deliberately contaminated medicines and foodstuffs. Readers are given detailed information on the clinical symptoms of poisoning, the characteristics of delayed neuropathy, long-term prognosis, and advice on the first-aid treatment of victims. While the concluding section notes that use of tricresyl phosphate poses very little risk to either the environment or the general population, the report underscores the severity and long-duration of the neuropathology caused by accidental poisoning, noting that some victims never recover.

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by the widespread production and use of methyl isobutyl ketone as a solvent, with major applications in the production of lacquers and paint solvents, including car and industrial spray paints. Methyl isobutyl ketone also occurs naturally in food, is a permitted flavouring agent, and is used in food contact packaging materials. Sections concerned with the behaviour of methyl isobutyl ketone in the environment note its rapid evaporation into the atmosphere, rapid photo-transformation, ready biodegradation, and low potential for bioaccumulation. A review of data on metabolic pathways and toxicity to organisms concludes that production and use of this chemical pose no threat to wildlife or the environment, except in the case of accidental spills or inappropriate disposal of wastes.

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by the use of tributyltin compounds as molluscicides, as antifoulants on boats, ships, quays, buoys, and equipment in the fishing industry, as wood preservatives, and as slimicides on masonry. These compounds pose a particular threat to the marine environment in view of their documented high toxicity to aquatic organisms, including commercially important shellfish.

This series edited by forensic scientists, provides an overview of current knowledge in forensic sciences, by reviewing the progress in this rapidly growing field. Each volume provides an insight into the various aspects of this science. It is the belief of the editors, that every forensic worker should be informed about all branches of his science, even if he may very well be specialised in one or few of them. This research text on forensic science, toxicology, criminalistics is intended for scientists and practitioners in the above-mentioned fields, consultants and expert witnesses.

Evaluates close to 900 studies in an effort to determine the role of various nickel compounds as environmental hazards and causes of human diseases, including cancer. A special effort is made to determine the specific exposure levels for nickel and nickel compounds that pose a threat to the environment, the general public, and workers exposed to nickel-containing dusts and fumes. A section on sources of exposure evaluates both natural and man-made releases into the environment, offering especially detailed information on emissions associated with the nickel industry, the combustion of fossil fuels, and the incineration of sewage sludge and waste. Exposure of the general population is noted to occur via inhaled air, ingestion of food and drinking-water, and dermal contact, particularly with jewellery and coins.

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by the production and use of dimethylformamide, an organic solvent produced in large quantities throughout the world. Dimethylformamide is widely used in the chemical industry as a solvent, an intermediate, and an additive, with the largest quantities used in the production of acrylic fibres and polyurethanes. Dimethylformamide is also used in the production of pharmaceutical products.

Assesses the risk to human health posed by the use of inorganic mercury in dental amalgam and in soaps and creams used to lighten the skin. Although such skin-lightening products are now banned throughout the European Economic Community, in North America, and in many African states, the report reveals that mercury-containing soap continues to be manufactured in several European countries, is sold as germicidal soap to the Third World, and is illegally re-imported from Africa to European cities having a substantial black population. Dental amalgam and food, most notably seafood, are identified as the main sources of human exposure. Although exposure of the general population is judged to be low, toxic levels may arise from the mishandling of liquid mercury, mercury dispensed from jars, broken thermometers, fluorescent lamps, and accidental ingestion of mercury batteries. The use of skin-lightening soap and creams results in substantial exposure.

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by the production, use, and disposal of hexachlorocyclopentadiene (HEX). HEX is a chemical used in the production of several pesticides, including heptachlor, chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, mirex, pentac, and endosulfan. The compound is also used as an intermediate in the manufacturing of flame retardants and dyes.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by n-hexane, a chemical isolated from natural gas and crude oil and used in food processing to extract vegetable oil from beans, nuts, and seeds. n-Hexane is also used as a solvent, a cleaning agent, in the rubber industry, and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by the production and use of triphenyl phosphate, a compound widely used as a flame retardant in phenolic and phenylene-oxide-based resins for the manufacture of electrical and automobile components. Triphenyl phosphate is also used as a non-flammable plasticizer in cellulose acetate for photographic films, and as a component of hydraulic fluids and lubricant oils.

Evaluates the environmental hazards and risks to human health posed by the production and use of vinylidene chloride. Vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride copolymers are used for the packaging of foods, as metal coatings in storage tanks, building structures, and tapes, and as moulded filters, valves, and pipe fittings. Food packaging applications include both commercial packaging films and household wraps.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by the production, use and waste disposal of 1-propanol, a colourless, highly flammable liquid used primarily as a multi-purpose solvent in industry and in the home. The compound, which has antiseptic as well as solvent properties, is also used in drugs and cosmetics. The evaluation concludes that, under normal conditions of use, 1-propanol is unlikely to pose a serious threat to either the general population or the environment.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by the production and use of 2-propanol, a liquid widely used as a low-cost solvent in industry and in the home. Because of its cooling, antipyretic, rubefacient, cleaning, and antiseptic properties, 2-propanol is used to produce a large number of household and personal products, including topically applied pharmaceutical products and cosmetics.

Explains the principles, concepts, and definitions used by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) when assessing toxicological data on pesticide residues in food and establishing acceptable daily intakes. Intended to guide the design and interpretation of relevant toxicological studies, the book alerts readers to the multiplicity of factors, from the endocrinology of the animal species to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the pesticide, that can influence the validity of a study and determine its relevance to safety assessment.

Summary report on the evaluation of short-term tests for carcinogens : (collaborative study on in vivo tests / published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Health Organization.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by the production and use of fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons. Eight different commercial compounds, some of which are known to contribute to ozone depletion, are assessed. The opening section summarizes the unique chemical and physical properties that account for the commercial importance of chlorofluorocarbons and explain why their degradation in the upper stratosphere destroys ozone. Subsequent sections summarize data on the global distribution of chlorofluorocarbons and evaluate the strength of evidence suggesting that increased ultraviolet-B radiation, resulting from ozone depletion, will endanger terrestrial and aquatic biota. The report concludes that even small increases in ambient ultraviolet-B exposure can result in significant ecosystem changes.

Summary Evaluates the carcinogenic risk to humans posed by industrial exposure to chromium and its compounds, nickel and its compounds, and welding fumes and gases. Occupational exposures, principally by inhalation, are noted to affect about three million workers worldwide. The first and most extensive monograph evaluates the carcinogenicity of chromium and its compounds. The monograph is divided into subsections based on the oxidation state and solubility of the compounds, with separate evaluations made for metallic chromium, chromi-um[III] compounds, chromium [VI] compounds, and for a fourth group of tested agents that were of mixed or unknown oxidation states. The most extensive sections evaluate the design and findings of over 500 investigations of carcinogenicity in animals and experimental systems, studies of metabolic fate in animals and humans, and case reports and epidemiological studies in human populations. On the basis of this evaluation, the monograph concludes that chromium[VI] is carcinogenic to humans. The carcinogenicity of chromium[III] and of metallic chromium could not be determined on the basis of available evidence.The second monograph presents similar information for metallic nickel and nickel alloys, nickel oxides and hydroxides, nickel sulfides, nickel salts, and other nickel compounds. Nickel carbonyl is identified as the most acutely toxic nickel compound, causing severe damage to the respiratory system in experimental animals and in humans. The evaluation concludes that nickel compounds are carcinogenic to humans and that metallic nickel is possibly carcinogenic to humans. The final monograph evaluates the carcinogenic risk posed by exposure to welding gases and fumes. On the basis of evidence from human and animal studies, welding fumes are classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Summary Reports the deliberations of a working group convened to evaluate the carcinogenic risk to humans posed by the therapeutic use of 15 pharmaceutical drugs. The volume features separate monographs on five antineoplastic agents, four antimicrobial agents, two diuretics, ciclosporin (an immunosuppressant), cimetidine (used in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers), paracetamol (a popular analgesic and antipyretic drug), and dantron (a laxative). Drugs were selected for inclusion on the basis of published data suggesting carcinogenic effects in experimental animals or in human patients treated with the drug. The working group identified two of the drugs - ciclosporin and thiotepa - as human carcinogens. Ciclosporin, an immunosuppressant, is widely used in the prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host reactions in bone-marrow transplantation and to prevent the rejection of kidney, heart, and liver transplants. Often given to transplant recipients for several months, ciclosporin has been linked to a remarkably high occurrence of lymphomas, found predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as to skin cancer and Kaposi's sarcoma. The carcinogenicity of thiotepa, a cytostatic agent used in the treatment of malignant lymphomas and solid tumours, has been clearly demonstrated in both experimental animals and human patients, where treatment with the drug has been linked to the development of leukaemia. Azacitidine, chloramphenicol, and chlorozotocin were judged to be probably carcinogenic to humans, while dantron and trichlormethine were identified as possible human carcinogens. The remaining substances could not be classified on the basis of currently available evidence. The experts also noted that long-term experiments with paracetamol, nitrofurantoin, and nitrofural have shown reductions in tumour incidence at some sites in some animal species.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by the mining, processing, and industrial use of barium. The opening sections review both natural and man-made sources of release into the environment, including nuclear fallout following the testing of weapons. A section on environmental behaviour notes the contribution of industrial emissions, especially from the combustion of coal and diesel oil, to the presence of barium in air. Particular concern centres on concentrations found in water, where barium may have a residence time of several hundred years. Water supplies and food are identified as the most important routes of exposure for the general population. Other sections review what is known about the kinetics and metabolism of barium, discuss its capacity to mimic the role of calcium in many physiological processes, and consider effects on organisms in the environment, including effects on the infectivity of several viruses.

Evaluates risks to human health and the environment posed by aldicarb, a carbamate insecticide applied, exclusively in granular form and below the soil surface, to control certain insects, mites, and nematodes. Aldicarb has been approved for use on a wide range of crops; ingestion of contaminated food is the main route of exposure for the general population.

Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by exposure to 2-meth-oxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, and their two acetates: 2-methoxyethyl acetate and 2-ethoxyethyl acetate. These glycol ethers have a wide range of uses as solvents with particular application in paints, stains, inks, lacquers, and the production of food-contact plastics.