Human exposure routes, persistent

The mechanism of absorption of PCBs by the inhalation and dermal routes of exposure is not known. PCBs are well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract Diet is the main source of background human exposures to persistent lipophilic organic pollutants, such as PCBs (Duarte-Davidson and Jones 1994 Hansen 1999). Because PCBs are Upid soluble, transfer from the aqueous environment of the intestine... 

Environmental Fate. Hydrogen sulfide is known to easily evaporate into the air (EPA 1993 Layton and Cederwall 1986 Leahey and Schroeder 1986), although its solubility in water may also cause it to persist in unperturbed, anoxic sediments. Additional information on the transport, transformation, and persistence of the compound in soils and groundwater, particularly at hazardous waste sites, would be useful in identifying the most important routes of human exposure to hydrogen sulfide. 

As all the major insecticides affect the nervous system, the consequences of human exposure can appear similar. It is also important to distinguish between a high-dose acute poisoning and more chronic exposure at lower levels. Route of exposure is a factor in determining absorption and ultimately any health effects. The environmental effects, however, can be very different in large part due to persistence of the chemical in the environment. 

Available human and animal data indicate that airborne chlorine dioxide (CIO2) primarily acts as a respiratory tract and ocular irritant. Chlorite (CIO2 ) does not persist in the atmosphere either in ionic form or as chlorite salt, and is not likely to be inhaled. Potential for human exposure to chlorine dioxide or chlorite may be greatest via the oral exposure route because chlorine dioxide is sometimes used as a... 

As PCB production increased, more concerns were raised about the health and environmental effects of PCBs, which entered the environment through leakage, production processes, and improper disposal. The persistence and lipophilicity of PCBs resulted in its biomagnification in the environment (see DDT). Problems associated with PCB contamination in wildlife include deformities, tumors, disruption in the endocrine and reproduction systems, and death. Human exposure to PCBs occurs through environmental and occupational routes. The primary exposure... 

A large variety of sources of dioxin have been identified and others may exist. Because dioxin-like chemicals are persistent and accumulate in biological tissues, particularly in animals, the major route of human exposure is through ingestion of foods containing minute quantities of dioxinlike compounds. This results in widespread, low-level exposure of the general population to dioxinlike compounds. 

Very few data are available on the effects of organotins in humans. Of the reported unintentional occupational exposures, none has an estimate of exposure concentration. Exposure was largely via the inhalation route, with some possibility of dermal exposure. Neurological effects were the most commonly reported, and these can persist for long periods. 

In the past (prior to 1974), exposure of humans to heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide was directly related to the application of heptachlor as an insecticide. However, because of the persistence and bioaccumulation of heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide, exposure of the general population can occur through ingestion of contaminated food (especially cow s or maternal human milk), inhalation of vapors from contaminated soil and water, or direct contact with residual heptachlor from pesticide application. People whose homes have been treated may continue to be exposed to these chemicals in the air over long periods. Occupational exposure can occur in the manufacture of the chemical or from use of heptachlor to control fire ants. The most likely routes of exposure at hazardous waste sites are unknown. Heptachlor has been found infrequently in soil and groundwater at hazardous waste sites. Children who eat contaminated soil or people who obtain tap water from wells located near hazardous waste sites might be exposed to heptachlor. Also, since both compounds can volatilize from soil, people living near hazardous waste sites may be exposed to the compounds in the air. 

Limited excretion data are available in humans receiving 2-hexanone via inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure, in dogs via inhalation exposure, and in rats via oral exposure (DiVincenzo et al. 1977, 1978). However, human data on excretion of 2-hexanone via feces are not available, and the available information in dogs concerns excretion via exhaled breath only. In these and any other studies, information on all routes of excretion would help to evaluate the potential for 2-hexanone clearance in the exposed species. Excretion data in rats receiving 2-hexanone via inhalation and dermal application and in other species receiving 2-hexanone via all three routes would be useful for comparison with the human data and to assess the comparative risks of exposure by each route. In addition, information on excretion rates in each species via each route would be helpful in understanding how long 2-hexanone and its metabolites may persist in the body. 

The toxicity, health effects, and related symptoms of poisoning caused by different metals and metal compounds in humans is modulated by many factors. In a large number of instances, poisoning from metal compounds is because of the persistence of the metal dusts and fumes present in the workplace, as well as the properties of each metal, the pattern or route of exposure, the form and nature of the metal, and the quantity or concentration of the metal compound ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the system. The health status of a worker modulates its toxicity. Toxic metals cause severe poisoning and skin diseases such as melanosis, leukomelanosis, keratosis, nonpitting edema, gangrene, and skin cancer. 

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