Biomarkers in risk assessment of asbestos exposure.

Developments in the field of molecular epidemiology and toxicology have given valuable tools for early detection of impending disease or toxic condition. Morbidity due to respiratory distress, which may be due to environmental and occupational exposure, has drawn attention of researchers worldwide. Among the occupational exposure to respiratory distress factors, fibers and particles have been found to be main culprits in causing diseases like asbestosis, pleural plaques, mesotheliomas and bronchogenic carcinomas.

Biological markers for metal toxicity.

Exposure assessment is often considered the weakest link in risk assessment. It is important for investigators to continue to utilize the full potential of biomarkers for chemicals whose exposure is of global concern. This review is concerned with the biomarkers of metal toxicity, as the overall exposure to metals encountered occupationally or in the environment would continue causing indirect, delayed effects therefore ecoepidemiology, using designed molecular probes and noninvasive diagnostics will be the leading component for future management of environmental health.

Convergence of clinical toxicology and epidemiology in relation to health effects of chemicals.

An integrated approach of clinical toxicology and epidemiology is an essential ingredient in environmental health risk management through molecular epidemiology and environmental genomics. The last decade has also seen the emergence of several biochemical markers useful in chemical risk assessment and in epidemiological studies. An appraisal of the concepts involved, the approaches required, and the potential scope of this approach is attempted here.