Occupational Toxicology

Hazardous agents in the workplace are an ongoing concern, and there are now many examples of workers being severely affected by chemicals as a result of both acute and chronic exposure. Occupational Toxicology introduces the basic aspects of the science of toxicology which underpin the application of toxicological information to the workplace environment. The book contains chapters on the most important hazardous agents in the workplace, such as metals, pesticides, solvents, plastics, gases, and particulate matter. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the field is highlighted by covering inter-related aspects of hygiene, epidemiology and occupational medicine.The types of toxicity seen in the workplace environment, and the organs likely to be affected, are also discussed. The lung and skin are given individual attention as those are often important sites of injury and disease. As the cancer-related effects of chemicals continue to cause concern, genotoxicity and carcinogenesis are singled out for particular attention. The final section covers the management of chemicals in the workplace and the practical use of toxicological information, and includes the regulations governing the use of such chemicals.Occupational Toxicology will be of interest to students of occupational and industrial toxicology and practitioners in industry using chemicals.