Transport and dynamics of toxic pollutants in the natural environment and their effect on human health: research gaps and challenge |
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Authors: | Andrew Hursthouse George Kowalczyk |
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Institution: | (1) School of Engineering & Science, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK;(2) Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division, Health Protection Agency, Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, Sentinel House, Albert Street, Eccles, M30 0NJ, UK |
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Abstract: | The source–pathway–receptor (SPR) approach to human exposure and risk assessment contains considerable uncertainty when using
the refined modelling approaches to pollutant transport and dispersal, not least in how compounds of concern might be prioritised,
proxy or indicator substances identified and the basic environmental and toxicological data collected. The impact of external
environmental variables, urban systems and lifestyle is still poorly understood. This determines exposure of individuals and
there are a number of methods being developed to provide more reliable spatial assessments. Within the human body, the dynamics
of pollutants and effects on target organs from diffuse, transient sources of exposure sets ambitious challenges for traditional
risk assessment approaches. Considerable potential exists in the application of, e.g. physiologically based pharmacokinetic
(PBPK) models. The reduction in uncertainties associated with the effects of contaminants on humans, transport and dynamics
influencing exposure, implications of adult versus child exposure and lifestyle and the development of realistic toxicological
and exposure data are all highlighted as urgent research needs. The potential to integrate environmental with toxicological
models provides the next phase of research opportunity and should be used to drive empirical and model assessments. |
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Keywords: | Environmental fate Health risk assessment human exposure PBPK modelling Pollutant transport |
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