An example of an integrated approach for health and environmental risk assessment: the case of organotin compounds

Because environmental decision making based solely on simple compilation of toxicological data on either wildlife or humans in isolation can not give effective answers about the nature and levels of risk, an integrated approa ch for risk assessment of adverse effects of chemicals is required. Integra tion of available information on health and environmental effects, from in vitro to the level of humans, across various species, across different endp oints, and in combination with integrated exposure data, permits enhanced e stimation of the potential risks posed by various agents. Mechanistic and q uantitative consideration are the keys in this process. A framework for int egrated risk assessment has been proposed by an international workgroup. Th e value and utility of the integrated approach is shown using the example o f organotin compounds.