J. Sekizawa et al., An example of an integrated approach for health and environmental risk assessment: the case of organotin compounds, WATER SCI T, 42(7-8), 2000, pp. 305-313
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.