Risk Assessment in the Federal Government

Risk Assessment in the Federal Government
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 206
Release: 1983-02-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309033497

The regulation of potentially hazardous substances has become a controversial issue. This volume evaluates past efforts to develop and use risk assessment guidelines, reviews the experience of regulatory agencies with different administrative arrangements for risk assessment, and evaluates various proposals to modify procedures. The book's conclusions and recommendations can be applied across the entire field of environmental health.

Science and Decisions

Science and Decisions
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 422
Release: 2009-03-24
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0309120462

Risk assessment has become a dominant public policy tool for making choices, based on limited resources, to protect public health and the environment. It has been instrumental to the mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as other federal agencies in evaluating public health concerns, informing regulatory and technological decisions, prioritizing research needs and funding, and in developing approaches for cost-benefit analysis. However, risk assessment is at a crossroads. Despite advances in the field, risk assessment faces a number of significant challenges including lengthy delays in making complex decisions; lack of data leading to significant uncertainty in risk assessments; and many chemicals in the marketplace that have not been evaluated and emerging agents requiring assessment. Science and Decisions makes practical scientific and technical recommendations to address these challenges. This book is a complement to the widely used 1983 National Academies book, Risk Assessment in the Federal Government (also known as the Red Book). The earlier book established a framework for the concepts and conduct of risk assessment that has been adopted by numerous expert committees, regulatory agencies, and public health institutions. The new book embeds these concepts within a broader framework for risk-based decision-making. Together, these are essential references for those working in the regulatory and public health fields.

Science and Judgment in Risk Assessment

Science and Judgment in Risk Assessment
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 668
Release: 1994-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 030904894X

The public depends on competent risk assessment from the federal government and the scientific community to grapple with the threat of pollution. When risk reports turn out to be overblownâ€"or when risks are overlookedâ€"public skepticism abounds. This comprehensive and readable book explores how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can improve its risk assessment practices, with a focus on implementation of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. With a wealth of detailed information, pertinent examples, and revealing analysis, the volume explores the "default option" and other basic concepts. It offers two views of EPA operations: The first examines how EPA currently assesses exposure to hazardous air pollutants, evaluates the toxicity of a substance, and characterizes the risk to the public. The second, more holistic, view explores how EPA can improve in several critical areas of risk assessment by focusing on cross-cutting themes and incorporating more scientific judgment. This comprehensive volume will be important to the EPA and other agencies, risk managers, environmental advocates, scientists, faculty, students, and concerned individuals.

Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk

Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk
Author: Suzanne H. Reuben
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2010-10
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1437934218

Though overall cancer incidence and mortality have continued to decline in recent years, cancer continues to devastate the lives of far too many Americans. In 2009 alone, 1.5 million American men, women, and children were diagnosed with cancer, and 562,000 died from the disease. There is a growing body of evidence linking environmental exposures to cancer. The Pres. Cancer Panel dedicated its 2008¿2009 activities to examining the impact of environmental factors on cancer risk. The Panel considered industrial, occupational, and agricultural exposures as well as exposures related to medical practice, military activities, modern lifestyles, and natural sources. This report presents the Panel¿s recommend. to mitigate or eliminate these barriers. Illus.

Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens in the Human Diet

Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens in the Human Diet
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 434
Release: 1996-03-12
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0309053919

Despite increasing knowledge of human nutrition, the dietary contribution to cancer remains a troubling question. Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens assembles the best available information on the magnitude of potential cancer riskâ€"and potential anticarcinogenic effectâ€"from naturally occurring chemicals compared with risk from synthetic chemical constituents. The committee draws important conclusions about diet and cancer, including the carcinogenic role of excess calories and fat, the anticarcinogenic benefit of fiber and other substances, and the impact of food additive regulation. The book offers recommendations for epidemiological and diet research. Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens provides a readable overview of issues and addresses critical questions: Does diet contribute to an appreciable proportion of human cancer? Are there significant interactions between carcinogens and anticarcinogens in the diet? The volume discusses the mechanisms of carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic properties and considers whether techniques used to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of synthetics can be used with naturally occurring chemicals. The committee provides criteria for prioritizing the vast number of substances that need to be tested. Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens clarifies the issues and sets the direction for further investigations into diet and cancer. This volume will be of interest to anyone involved in food and health issues: policymakers, regulators, researchers, nutrition professionals, and health advocates.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Author: S. Brünner
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 253
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 364282031X

The enormous expansion seen over the last decade in the mammo graphic detection of breast cancer lesions, especially the use of screen ing procedures for the early detection of clinically unsuspected tumors, has made it necessary to summarize the experience made by various centers in the world. The 2nd International Copenhagen Symposium on Detection of Breast Cancer afforded an opportunity of gathering scientists from all over the world to discuss the various problems of early breast cancer detection with special reference to screening procedures. This book forms a synthesis of the information presented by leading scientists from many of the world's mammo graphic centers, particularly those in Sweden and the USA. Hence, the reader will have the opportunity to study the outstanding work carried out by various institutes and centers of breast cancer screening. It is our sincere hope that a study of this volume will encourage other scientists to join in the work on screening procedures. S. Brunner B. Langfeldt P. E. Andersen Contents S. A. Feig: 1 Hypothetical Breast Cancer Risk from Mammography S. A. Feig: Benefits and Risks of Mammography 11 R. L. Egan and M. B. McSweeney: Multicentric Breast Carcinoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 M. B. McSweeney and R. L. Egan: Breast Cancer in the Younger Patient: A Preliminary Report 36 M. B. McSweeney and R. L. Egan: Bilateral Breast Carcinoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ' 41 N. Bjurstam: The Radiographic Appearance of Normal and Metastatic Axillary Lymph Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 M. Moskowitz, S. A. Feig, C. Cole-Beuglet, S. H.

Regulating Pesticides in Food

Regulating Pesticides in Food
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 288
Release: 1987-02-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309037468

Concern about health effects from exposure to pesticides in foods is growing as scientists learn more about the toxic properties of pesticides. The Delaney Clause, a provision of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, prohibits tolerances for any pesticide that causes cancer in test animals or in humans if the pesticide concentrates in processed food or feeds. This volume examines the impacts of the Delaney Clause on agricultural innovation and on the public's dietary exposure to potentially carcinogenic pesticide residues. Four regulatory scenarios are described to illustrate the effects of varying approaches to managing oncogenic pesticide residues in food.

The Molecular Basis of Cancer

The Molecular Basis of Cancer
Author: John Mendelsohn
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
Total Pages: 1948
Release: 2008-04-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1437710999

Successfully fighting cancer starts with understanding how it begins. This thoroughly revised 3rd Edition explores the scientific basis for our current understanding of malignant transformation and the pathogenesis and treatment of cancer. A team of leading experts thoroughly explain the molecular biologic principles that underlie the diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions now being used in clinical trials and practice. Incorporating cutting-edge advances and the newest research, the book provides thorough descriptions of everything from molecular abnormalities in common cancers to new approaches for cancer therapy. Features sweeping updates throughout, including molecular targets for the development of anti-cancer drugs, gene therapy, and vaccines...keeping you on the cutting edge of your specialty. Offers a new, more user-friendly full-color format so the information that you need is easier to find. Presents abundant figures-all redrawn in full color-illustrating major concepts for easier comprehension. Features numerous descriptions of the latest clinical strategies-helping you to understand and take advantage of today’s state-of-the-art biotechnology advances.