Abstract
The identification of possible environmental hazards to health depends largely on epidemiological measurement of health outcomes in exposed populations. However, as the examples in the previous chapter have indicated, the issues are seldom clear-cut. Problems of exposure assessment, small numbers of exposed individuals, confounding variables and other difficulties invariably beset the investigator. In addition, it is difficult for purely epidemiological methods to finally prove causality, even if a clear association is identified. The biological plausibility for a suggested association must therefore be examined, and this chapter reviews briefly the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants may affect health and how these are assessed. The review is necessarily brief and non-specific, because new research findings are continually being reported. Rather than attempt to provide a complete listing of suggested pollutants and toxins, this chapter aims to indicate the strengths and weaknesses of toxicological research in aiding the identification of environmental hazards to health.
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© 1987 Michael E. McDowall
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McDowall, M.E. (1987). Health Mechanisms and Outcomes. In: The Identification of Man-made Environmental Hazards to Health. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-08618-4_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-08618-4_3
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
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