DDT is a pesticide that was once widely used to control insects. Both DDD and DDE are breakdown products of DDT. This profile includes: (1) The examination, summary, and interpretation of available toxicologic info. and epidemiologic evaluations on DDT/DDD/DDE to ascertain the levels of significant human exposure for the substance and the associated chronic health effects; (2) A determination of whether adequate info. on the health effects of DDT/DDD/DDE is available to determine levels of exposure that present a significant risk to human health of chronic health effects; and (3) Identification of toxicologic testing needed to identify the types or levels of exposure that may present significant risk of adverse health effects in humans. Illus.

Throughout history, arsenic has been used as an effective and lethal poison. Today, arsenic continues to present a real threat to human health all over the world, as it contaminates groundwater and food supplies. Handbook of Arsenic Toxicology presents the latest findings on arsenic, its chemistry, its sources and its acute and chronic effects on the environment and human health. The book takes readings systematically through the target organs, before detailing current preventative and counter measures. This reference enables readers to effectively assess the risks related to arsenic, and provide a comprehensive look at arsenic exposure, toxicity and toxicity prevention. - Brings together current findings on the effects of arsenic on the environment and human health - Includes state-of-the-art techniques in arsenic toxicokinetics, speciation and molecular mechanisms - Provides all the information needed for effective risk assessment, prevention and countermeasure

Selenium (SE) and its compounds are used in photographic devices, gun gluing, plastics, paints, anti-dandruff shampoos, vitamin and mineral supp., fungicides, and glass. It is also used to prepare drugs and as a nutritional feed supp. for poultry and livestock. This profile includes: (a) The exam¿n. of toxicologic info. and epidemiologic evaluations on SE to ascertain the levels of significant human exposure for the substance and the chronic health effects; (b) A determination of whether adequate info. on the health effects of SE is avail. to determine levels of exposure that present a significant risk to human health (SRHH); and (c) Ident¿n. of toxicologic testing needed to identify the types of exposure that may present SRHH. Illus. A print on demand pub.

Having safe drinking water is important to all Americans. The Environmental Protection Agency's decision in the summer of 2001 to delay implementing a new, more stringent standard for the maximum allowable level for arsenic in drinking water generated a great deal of criticism and controversy. Ultimately at issue were newer data on arsenic beyond those that had been examined in a 1999 National Research Council report. EPA asked the National Research Council for an evaluation of the new data available. The committee's analyses and conclusions are presented in Arsenic in Drinking Water: 2001 Update. New epidemiological studies are critically evaluated, as are new experimental data that provide information on how and at what level arsenic in drinking water can lead to cancer. The report's findings are consistent with those of the 1999 report that found high risks of cancer at the previous federal standard of 50 parts per billion. In fact, the new report concludes that men and women who consume water containing 3 parts per billion of arsenic daily have about a 1 in 1,000 increased risk of developing bladder or lung cancer during their lifetime.