Dioxins and Health: Including Other Persistent Organic Pollutants and Endocrine Disruptors

Explores the latest science on dioxins and other POPs, and their impact on human health

Now in its third edition, Dioxins and Health is the most respected reference of its kind, presenting the latest scientific findings on dioxins, dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls and related compounds, and their impact on human health. The book fully examines the many toxicological effects―including immunological, neurological, developmental, dermatological, and cardiological―these chemicals have on health.

This Third Edition has been greatly expanded with the latest research findings on dioxins and related compounds. Moreover, it now includes coverage of other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and endocrine disruptors, including:

• Brominated flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane

• Perfluorinated chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid

• Other endocrine disrupting chemicals similar to POPs such as bisphenol A

Readers will also learn about the latest findings on the long-term impacts caused by the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam. Other chapters review the Seveso disaster in Italy and the Yusho and Yucheng rice oil poisoning incidents in Japan and Taiwan. In addition, there is a full chapter dedicated to the dioxin poisoning of former Ukraine President Victor Yushchenko.

All the chapters in the book have been written by leading international experts. References at the end of each chapter guide readers to the primary literature in the field.

Expertly organized in one volume, Dioxins and Health offers readers quick access to essential information about dioxins and related compounds written in clear, simple language that is accessible to not only scientists, clinicians and public health professionals, but also general readers.

ARNOLD SCHECTER, MD, MPH, is Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Texas School of Public Health. He is a preventive medicine physician-researcher who has studied the effects of dioxin and related chemical exposure around the world. Most recently, his research has focused on emerging POPs and endocrine disruptors in human milk, blood, and food. Dr. Schecter has served on EPA dioxin advisory panels and ATSDR/CDC dioxin, PCB, and PCDF review groups. Moreover, he has worked with the NIEHS, NIH, and NTP to communicate dioxin carcinogenicity assessments.