Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
A multidisciplinary effort based on environmental epidemiology, holistic exposure
assessments, and genomic approaches is required to identify and elucidate the nature
and magnitude of such risks. To better identify the hidden risks of multichemical
exposure of this sort, development of new biomarkers is required. Conventional
methods together with genomic techniques can be innovatively employed to develop
biomarkers for early detection of these risks. Prominent targets for such biomarkers
may include (1) metabolic pathways that affect cell-signaling, (2) cell adhesions, (3)
cytoskeletons, (4) ligand-receptor interactions, etc., which are intermediary in the
onset of complex biological responses, viz., inlammation, tissue regeneration,
hyperproliferation, dysplasia, immunosuppression, and apoptosis.
Tests based on RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), and
immunoassays, will be tools that can help identify alterations in human genome
expression after subclinical effects are caused by chronic low-level exposure to mul-
tiple toxicants. Such research endeavors will help to predict acquired susceptibility
for the onset of common disorders such as Type-2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or hyper-
tension that constitute metabolic syndromes that are on rise in Indian subjects (Gupta
et al.
2004
). The identiication of more objectively diagnosed ACV, together with
appropriate interventions, may reduce the future burden of E-waste-related diseases.
5
Summary
Acquired clinical vulnerability (ACV) results from insults that produce consequen-
tial pathophysiological changes and predispose exposed subjects to future disease.
ACV comprises a complex biological process that is manifested by exposure to toxi-
cants, generally over the course of many years, and results from subtle changes that
occur at the cellular and molecular level. A large proportion of the world's popula-
tion has already been, or will be, exposed to toxicants emanating from E-waste dur-
ing the course of their lives. In countries where E-waste recycling is an important
economic activity (China, India, among others), the challenge facing researchers is
to devise suitable methods for identifying and objectively measuring ACV. Primary
prevention can be achieved through legislation/awareness/monitoring and second-
ary prevention by developing innovative diagnostic tools and corrective measures.
Studies in which attempts are made to deine the health impact of multiple expo-
sures, as routinely occurs in E-waste recycling, should include measures of as many
of the following parameters as possible: (a) characterization of pollutant levels in
air/water/soil at the residential or workplace, (b) periodical clinical examination of
exposed subjects, (c) assessments of circulating toxicant loads in blood/urine/hair,
(d) genomic variation and resultant susceptibility to complex biological responses,
(viz, inlammation/dysplasia/immunosuppression/tissue regeneration) that derive
from pathway modulation (viz., cytoskeleton/metabolism/cell adhesion/immune
system/neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction/cytokine/signaling), (e) routine
monitoring of altered gene expression from modulation of hematology or the above-
mentioned pathways.
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