This submodule is just to get you started on some major on-line data bases, IRIS and ATSDR.
Introduction [to IRIS from the EPA site]
The Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), prepared and maintained by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), is an electronic data base
containing information on human health effects that may result from exposure
to various chemicals in the environment. IRIS was initially developed for EPA
staff in response to a growing demand for consistent information on chemical
substances for use in risk assessments, decision-making and regulatory activities.
The information in IRIS is intended for those without extensive training in
toxicology, but with some knowledge of health sciences.
The heart of the IRIS system is its collection of computer files covering individual
chemicals. These chemical files contain descriptive and quantitative information
in the following categories:
Oral reference doses and inhalation reference concentrations (RfDs and RfCs,
respectively) for chronic non-carcinogenic health effects.
Hazard identification, oral slope factors, and oral and inhalation unit risks
for carcinogenic effects.
Here is the list of IRIS substances. IRIS has a complete glossary which you might find helpful.
ATSDR
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) produces the Toxicological Profile Information Sheets. They are much more complete than IRIS. ASTDR is in the Center for Disease Control under the Public Health Service in the Department of Health and Human Services, a completely different department of the government than the EPA. ASTDR's work is limited to substances found at superfund sites. Almost everything on the ASTDR site is on the IRIS, there are many chemicals on IRIS that are not on ASTDR. The ASTDR also has summary statements that are suitable for general audiences.
IARC
International Agency for Research on Cancer. The International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) is part of the World Health Organization.
IARC's mission is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human
cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies
for cancer control. The Agency is involved in both epidemiological and laboratory
research and disseminates scientific information through publications, meetings,
courses, and fellowships. IARC is the gold standard in carcinogenic studies.
Unfortunately they sell the completed monographs, but there are summaries on
their web pages.
Here is the key to the IARC database. They use a slightly different system than EPA. IARC The lists follow.
End of submodule.