Chapter 15, Mutagenic Pollutants, deals with the types of mutation,
common mutagens found in our environment, and their actions. The induction
of mutation by ultraviolet and ionizing radiations, and chemical mutagens is
reviewed. Of the chemical mutagens, examples are given to show alkylation,
intercalation, and the interaction of several metals with DNA, leading to
mutation. These discussions are then followed by Chapter 16, Environmental
Cancer, which examines various environmental toxicants related to cancers.
The chapter begins by stressing the importance of cancer to public health and
discusses the known and proposed causes of cancer, including the stages
involved in carcinogenesis. Emphasis is placed on various types of chemical
agents, such as free radicals, vinyl chloride, alkylating agents, and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, that are capable of interacting with DNA in initiating
carcinogenesis.
The last chapter, Chapter 17, presents a brief introduction to ecological risk
assessment, a relatively new but growing area of environmental science. The
framework for ecological risk assessment, the importance of emergence of risk
assessment as a regulatory paradigm, and the widespread use of ecological
impacts to influence regulatory and policy decisions are discussed.
This volume is written primarily as an introductory textbook for upper
level undergraduate and beginning graduate students majoring in environmental science, environmental toxicology, environmental health, public health,
and other related fields. To assist the students in their study, review questions
are included at the end of each chapter. A glossary is also provided as
Appendix 1.
Much of the material contained in this volume is based on the lecture notes
that I used in teaching environmental health and toxicology and related
courses for 27 years at Western Washington University. I was encouraged by
favorable responses expressed by my students. Many of them are now working
in the area of environmental toxicology and related areas. It is hoped that
students as well as professionals interested in enhancing their knowledge of the
health and biological impacts of pollutants on living organisms will find this
volume a useful text or source book. I welcome any suggestions from
instructors and readers so that their suggestions can be incorporated into a
possible future edition.
[17:19 15/9/04 T:/4365 MING-HO.751 (1670)/4365-Prelims.3d]
Ref: 4365 MING-HO YU Prelims Page: vii 4-24
common mutagens found in our environment, and their actions. The induction
of mutation by ultraviolet and ionizing radiations, and chemical mutagens is
reviewed. Of the chemical mutagens, examples are given to show alkylation,
intercalation, and the interaction of several metals with DNA, leading to
mutation. These discussions are then followed by Chapter 16, Environmental
Cancer, which examines various environmental toxicants related to cancers.
The chapter begins by stressing the importance of cancer to public health and
discusses the known and proposed causes of cancer, including the stages
involved in carcinogenesis. Emphasis is placed on various types of chemical
agents, such as free radicals, vinyl chloride, alkylating agents, and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, that are capable of interacting with DNA in initiating
carcinogenesis.
The last chapter, Chapter 17, presents a brief introduction to ecological risk
assessment, a relatively new but growing area of environmental science. The
framework for ecological risk assessment, the importance of emergence of risk
assessment as a regulatory paradigm, and the widespread use of ecological
impacts to influence regulatory and policy decisions are discussed.
This volume is written primarily as an introductory textbook for upper
level undergraduate and beginning graduate students majoring in environmental science, environmental toxicology, environmental health, public health,
and other related fields. To assist the students in their study, review questions
are included at the end of each chapter. A glossary is also provided as
Appendix 1.
Much of the material contained in this volume is based on the lecture notes
that I used in teaching environmental health and toxicology and related
courses for 27 years at Western Washington University. I was encouraged by
favorable responses expressed by my students. Many of them are now working
in the area of environmental toxicology and related areas. It is hoped that
students as well as professionals interested in enhancing their knowledge of the
health and biological impacts of pollutants on living organisms will find this
volume a useful text or source book. I welcome any suggestions from
instructors and readers so that their suggestions can be incorporated into a
possible future edition.
[17:19 15/9/04 T:/4365 MING-HO.751 (1670)/4365-Prelims.3d]
Ref: 4365 MING-HO YU Prelims Page: vii 4-24