SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC ASPECTS OF HUMAN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO TOXIC-CHEMICALS -DO CLASS AND RACE MATTER FOR REALISTIC RISK ASSESSMENT

Susceptibility is well-recognized as a potentially important aspect of health risk assessment, particularly for groups such as pregnant wome n and their fetuses, infants, children, the elderly, and the infirm, t hat are known or suspected to be more vulnerable to environmental insu lts. More recently, it has become apparent that economically disadvant aged groups are likely to be systematically both more exposed and more susceptible to environmental pollution. This article reviews the reas ons why low-income communities and many racial minorities are at an in creased risk because they are more susceptible to the adverse health e ffects of toxic chemicals. The scientific challenges of quantifying th e magnitude of environmental health risks for these groups are discuss ed, emphasizing ramifications for risk assessment and risk management decisions. Problems incorporating susceptibility into risk-based decis ion making are identified, and specific actions are recommended to add ress these deficiencies. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.