Metal exposure studies: role of toxicology and epidemiology in public health policy
Sarić, M.; Piasek, M.
Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada i Toksikologiju 48(3): 307-317
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-1254 PMID: 9501633 Document Number: 482373
Following the idea of interrelated role of epidemiology and toxicology in risk assessment and dose response evaluation, this paper presents certain experiences from the authors' studies of health effects of environmental exposure to lead and manganese. Epidemiologic observations of adverse effects on female reproductive integrity in a lead smeltery area agree with the experimental data. Animal studies show that the adverse reproductive effects in females are time and dose-related, and reversible after exposure has ceased. Field studies show that effects of manganese on the respiratory system in a polluted region are dose, age and season-related. Cytotoxic effects of manganese, including the inhibitory effect on alveolar macrophages described in in vitro studies on mammalian cells confirm the epidemiologic observations. Authors conclude that in the process of risk assessment, toxicology and epidemiology have to act together. Available human data should be combined with experimental findings and data on the mechanism of toxic action.