The hormesis challenge for environmental health regulators

The hormesis hypothesis provides that human, animal or plant exposure to a low external dose of a hazardous chemical substance or physical agent may have beneficial health outcomes. For example, human exposure to a precisely defined, low external dose of a carcinogenic pollutant in the workplace or...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human & experimental toxicology 2001-08, Vol.20 (8), p.435-438
Main Author: Baram, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Environmental health
Environmental Health - legislation & jurisprudence
Environmental Pollutants - adverse effects
Environmental Pollutants - analysis
Hormesis
Humans
Hypotheses
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Occupational Exposure - legislation & jurisprudence
Outdoor air quality
Pollutants
Public Health - legislation & jurisprudence
Risk Assessment - legislation & jurisprudence
Risk Assessment - methods
Toxins
United States
United States Environmental Protection Agency - legislation & jurisprudence
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:The hormesis hypothesis provides that human, animal or plant exposure to a low external dose of a hazardous chemical substance or physical agent may have beneficial health outcomes. For example, human exposure to a precisely defined, low external dose of a carcinogenic pollutant in the workplace or ambient environment may lead to an internal dose or concentration, which stimulates a dormant defense mechanism that inhibits the growth of tumors. It seems advisable for regulators to anticipate growing evidence of hormesis, determine its relevance to their regulatory programs, and develop a principled approach for determining when, where and how to apply hormesis in making regulatory decisions.
ISSN:0960-3271
1477-0903
DOI:10.1191/096032701682693008