Harmfull chemicals abound in world<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Government regulators and the public must remain
\nwary of the massive common use of some 70,000 chemicals around
\nthe world as some may by carcinogenic -- contain substances which
\ncan cause cancer.<\/p>\n
\"In 1981, the National Cancer Institute in the United States
\nreported that from approximately 70,000 chemicals in common use,
\nonly 4,000 to 8,000 have been tested for carcinogenicity,\"
\nThailand's Princess Chulabhorn said in her written address at the
\nexecutive seminar on Environmental Toxicology here on Monday.<\/p>\n
\"Between 800 and 900 compounds are known to be carcinogenic
\nand between 1,600 and 2,800 compounds are possibly carcinogenic,\"
\nsaid Chulabhorn, who is also President of Bangkok-based
\nChulabhorn Research Institute.<\/p>\n
With the increase in the production and use of chemical
\ncompounds, people have become more exposed to the harmful effects
\nof some of the chemicals either directly or indirectly through
\npollution of our natural environment, she said.<\/p>\n
Chulaborn further quoted a Paracelsus' 15th Century principle
\nof toxicology which says that: all things are poisons, it is only
\nthe dose which determines how lethal they are.<\/p>\n
\"Examples of this early citation in current daily living is
\nillustrated by a commonly used drug, acetaminophen or
\nparasetamol, which is therapeutic at approximately 500 milligram
\nto 3 grams. At higher dosages of 15 grams to 20 grams, these
\ndrugs may be fatal\".<\/p>\n
\"Caffeine in 100 cups of coffee is lethal. One liter of whisky
\nmay be lethal,\" she added.<\/p>\n
In addition to the dose, duration of exposure is also one of
\nthe key factors in determining results of chemical toxicity.<\/p>\n
Turning her attention to environmental pollution, both
\nregulatory agencies and the public should be concerned with the
\nlong-term effects of receiving small amounts of pollutants since
\nit will take a period of 10 to 30 years to see the end result.<\/p>\n
\"Therefore, training in environmental toxicology must receive
\ntop priority from the governments in Southeast Asia as these
\ncountries are experiencing rapid growth and development,\" she
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
\"Trained personnel must be integrated within industries so
\nthat the toxic hazards and emissions can be identified and
\nmanaged to prevent harmful effects,\" she added.<\/p>\n
The seminar was also attended by noted toxicology experts such
\nas D.J. Ecobichon from McGill University, Canada. (edt)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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