Toxicity future research

In summary, fires represent a particularly complex problem for toxicologists. The exposure atmospheres are a mixture of many substances, and no two fires are alike. One aspect of the mixture that has received relatively little attention is the particulate component of smokes. From studies on carbon black and on soot in diesel exhaust we now have information on the chronic toxicity of soot. An area in which we need additional information is the potential for fire-generated soot to adsorb toxic materials, and then to deposit and desorb such materials in the lung. For this information we must await the results of future research. 

Although the effect of nutrients and classical toxicants (e.g. heavy metals, herbicides) is well known, that of the so-called non-PS in biofilms is still largely unknown. Furthermore, the combination of effects, which operate at the basin scale, requires complex approaches. Therefore, the response of biofilms to these situations should trigger the development of new applications and higher standardisation in the use of biofilms. The standardisation of methods and procedures is a challenge for the future research on the use of natural and laboratory biofilms. 

Ecotoxicological effects have been demonstrated for a number of surfactants or their metabolites, including some still currently in use, such as the nonylphenol ethoxylates [1], and as such there is a necessity to find more environmentally acceptable alternatives. Whilst the silicones are not the major surfactant type in use to date, the efficient properties and indications of low environmental persistence and toxicity demonstrate their potential for widespread use [2-4]. Relatively little is known about these new, rapidly emerging surfactants and the purpose of this chapter is thus to collate the available data, present new data, and identify the future research required in this area in order to evaluate the environmental relevance of this class of surfactants. 

Although much useful information on ciguetera toxins has been generated, the presence of these toxins in some seafood remains a serious international health problem. Future research goals should include the development of practical tests for product safety, the development of specific antidotes for the toxins, the introduction of methods to minimize the accidental consumption of toxic seafood, the discovery of the genesis of the toxins and methods to control the problem, and the development and dissemination of an information base on all aspects of this and other seafood toxin problems for the seafood industry, health personnel, researchers, and the public. 

Studying toxicity and biocompatibility of CNT is very important. Smart et al. [9] outlined directions of future research in this field. It includes pulmonary toxicity, skin irritability, macrophage response, interrelation of CNT with their toxicity, absorption, distribution and excretion, and influence of chemical functionalization of CNT on their biocompatibility. 

Maintenance and prophylaxis with lithium, and perhaps other mood stabilizers, favorably alters the longitudinal course of a bipolar disorder. Thus, efforts to enhance long-term compliance are a necessary part of any overall strategy. The incidence of adverse or toxic events is relatively low, and close attention to the more clinically relevant consequences can usually prevent serious sequelae ( 198).An issue of critical importance for future research is the potential efficacy of alternative maintenance medication for those who fail to respond adequately to acute or long-term lithium therapy. 

Data from biomonitoring studies are becoming widely available and are increasingly used to understand the presence of chemicals in the human body and their effects on human health. At the same time, scientists, public-health officials, and the public have questions about the quality and scope of the available data, what the data tell us about potential risks to human health, and how future research can address these questions. Responding to a congressional request, the National Research Council established the Committee on Human Biomonitoring for Environmental Toxicants to review current practices in and recommend ways to improve the interpretation and uses of human biomonitoring for environmental toxicants. 

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