The lack of information in all three important health areas emphasizes the need for the precautionary principle to dictate decisions, rather than the current inadequate risk assessment procedures not taking into account any of the following evidence.
Different forms (speciation) of each chemical have different biological effects. “Until now, this issue has not been a part of most hazard and risk assessments.” “The effects of individual elements on biological systems are best understood through the effects of elements on biochemical structures and processes, described at the cellular and molecular levels.” The current end-points of risk assessment are much cruder than that and mostly do not reflect such effects. “Biological monitoring is of particular value, because the method integrates the exposure from all sources and by all routes of entry.”
, Principles and Methods for Assessing Autoimmunity Associated with Exposure to Chemicals (EHC 236 http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/ehc/ehc236.pdf )
“when all autoimmune diseases are combined, the estimated prevalence is high (3–5% of the general population), which underlines their importance to public health.” “Environmental factors are believed to be a major factor responsible for their increased prevalence.” “Currently, the risk assessment for agents that are suspected of inducing or exacerbating autoimmunity or autoimmune diseases is hampered by the fact that appropriate information is not available….” “The burden on health and heavy costs of autoimmune diseases highlight their importance with regard to risk assessment.”
and Principles for Evaluating Health Risks in Children Associated with Exposure to Chemicals ( report specifically on environmental chemical exposures)
(EHC 237 http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/ehc/ehc237.pdf ).
One third of the world population are children. “(WHO) estimates that over 30% of the global burden of disease in children can be attributed to environmental factors.” “Traditional risk assessment …have focused mainly on adults and adult exposure patterns… There is a need to expand risk assessment paradigms to evaluate exposures relevant to children from preconception to adolescence.” “Most chemicals have not been assessed for potential toxicity to children, nor have the most vulnerable subpopulations of children been identified.” The reports identifies several areas in which
research is needed. “Protection of children is at the core of the sustainability of the human species. It should be a priority of all countries and international and national organizations to provide safe environments for all children and reduce exposure to environmental hazards through promotion of healthy behaviours, education, and awareness raising at all levels, including the community, family, and child.”