Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can damage an organism. Toxicity can refer to the effect on a whole organism, such as an animal, bacterium, or plant, as well as the effect on a substructure of the organism, such as a cell (cytotoxicity) or an organ (organotoxicity), such as the liver (hepatotoxicity). By extension, the word may be metaphorically used to describe toxic effects on larger and more complex groups, such as the family unit or society at large.
A central concept of toxicology is that effects are dose-dependent; even water can lead to water intoxication when taken in large enough doses, whereas for even a very toxic substance such as snake venom there is a dose below which there is no detectable toxic effect.
Extracted from www.wikipedia.org.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
– Charged under U.S. CERCLA statute to assess the presence and nature of health hazards at Superfund sites and to help reduce further exposures. Website has toxicity profiles for hazardous chemicals and extensive information on topics such as multiple chemical exposures and PCBs.
Direct link: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Ban CCA.org
– Online reference for concerned consumers and end users of Copper Chromated Arsenate (CCA) pressure treated wood. Provides health hazard information and links on the health hazards of CCA, arsenic and chromium exposure.
Direct link: Ban CCA.org
CDC’s Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. Ongoing assessment of the exposure of the U.S. population to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring.
Direct link: CDC’s Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
Chem-Tox.Com
– Index provides links to research about health disorders resulting from exposure to common chemicals and pesticides.
Direct link: Chem-Tox.Com
DAIN Metadatabase of Resources for Environmental Chemicals
– A database of separate databases. Search by type of database, use of chemicals, type of information and/or descriptors.
Direct link: DAIN Metadatabase of Resources for Environmental Chemicals
EDF Chemical Scorecard
– Toxic Release Inventory data for the US. Sources and amounts of toxic chemicals released to air and water. Also has information on health effects and other topics.
Direct link: EDF Chemical Scorecard
Environmental Working Group – Body Burden
– Reports results from the most comprehensive study ever conducted of multiple chemical contaminants in humans.
Direct link: Environmental Working Group – Body Burden
Global Campaign to Reduce the Use of Toxic Chemicals
– Information from the WWF on toxic chemicals in the environment. Focus on endocrine disruptors, persistent organic pesticides (POPs) and agricultural pesticides.
Direct link: Global Campaign to Reduce the Use of Toxic Chemicals
Human and Environmental Risk Assessment
– The HERA project is a European voluntary initiative launched by the suppliers and manufacturers, AISE and CEFIC, of household cleaning products to provide a common risk assessment framework. Provides news, risk assessment results and resources.
Direct link: Human and Environmental Risk Assessment
International Programme on Chemical Safety INCHEM Database
– Provides information on chemicals affecting the environment and human health from internationally peer-reviewed chemical safety-related publications and databases.
Direct link: International Programme on Chemical Safety INCHEM Database
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
– Information and index on toxicology, environmental health, HIV, and AIDS. Search toxicology and chemical information databases from Specialized Information Services (SIS).
Direct link: National Library of Medicine (NLM)
PCBs: Farmed Salmon vs. Wild Salmon – Is Farmed Salmon safe to eat?
– Discusses various reports on safety and guidelines by various health agencies.
Direct link: Farmed Salmon vs. Wild Salmon
The Vermiculite Institute
– Organized by vermiculite mining companies, processors, and users to promote the many uses of vermiculite and to address concerns about the health and safety of using vermiculite.
Direct link: The Vermiculite Institute