Exposure Interactions in Occupational/Environmental Toxicology

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of evaluating the whole person when health professionals diagnose potential toxicity from occupational and/or environmental exposure. Health professionals must consider interactions of combined exposures to toxic agents resulting from the personal lifestyle of an individual, along with various drugs which the person may be taking. In addition, health professionals must evaluate potential family or home exposures from use of chemicals in the home, as well as from chemicals that may enter the home by way of workplace-contaminated clothing or other items brought home from work. Toxic exposures to chemical and physical agents and other modifying factors (e.g., diurnal variations due to shift work or stress) to which individuals may be exposed occupationally or environmentally must also be considered. Readers are reminded that many modifying factors may impinge on occupational and environmental toxicity.

Summary: As described in this article, various kinds of interactions must be evaluated by occupational/environmental health professionals as they diagnose potential toxicity. Health professionals must consider the total person, including interactions of toxic agents with personal lifestyles of the individuals, along with various drugs which the person may be taking. They must also evaluate potential family or home exposures, as well as toxic exposures to chemical and physical agents and other modifying factors to which people may be exposed occupationally or environmentally. Many diseases may well be the result of complex interactions among a wide variety of exposures and modifying conditions.