BOOK REVIEW |
Toxicology and Ecotoxicology in Chemical Safety Assessment. Laura Robinson and Ian Thorn. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2005. ISBN No. 1-4051-1559-9. Price: £65 (hardback). 168 pp.
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The book is divided into six main sections. The first two sections deal with Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, and the remaining sections deal with Classification and Labelling, Chemicals in the Workplace (of particular relevance to readers of Occupational Medicine), Chemical Control and Material Safety Data Sheets. The Toxicology section describes target organs affected by exposure to chemicals, and focuses on the skin, eyes, respiratory system and the central nervous system. Mechanisms of toxicity include an explanation of carcinogenesis, genetic and reproductive toxicity. There is reference to animal testing and alternatives. The Ecotoxicology section mentions toxicity to fish and plants, with a description of tests for bioaccumulation and biodegradability. In the Classification and Labelling section, the various risk phrases used, especially in European legislation, are covered. Occupational health professionals would be familiar with the remaining chapters on handling Chemicals in the Workplace, Control of Exposure to Chemicals and Material Safety Data Sheets.
The book is comprehensive and very readable, and is a good primer for those with an interest in effects of toxic chemicals in the workplace and on the environment. It has an excellent glossary of terms which will serve as a useful ready reference. Reference to tumour promotion is sparse, and epidemiology is covered in less than half a page. The explanation that epidemiological studies ‘will confirm that there has been an exposure to a carcinogen in a given population’ is not quite correct. But perhaps readers wanting to know more about the role of epidemiology in chemical safety assessment can consult other textbooks on the subject.
My initial impression is that this is a four-star book—to buy, read and keep. But at £65 for 168 pages, it is expensive. Perhaps the soft-cover version will be more affordable.
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