TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Health Risk Assessment A1 - DiBartolomeis, Michael J. A2 - LaDou, Joseph A2 - Harrison, Robert J. PY - 2013 T2 - CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 5e AB - Most people generally are aware that voluntary or involuntary exposure to chemicals and other hazardous substances can cause harm to their health or to the health of their children and the unborn fetus. Taken at the minimum necessary dosages, however, some chemicals, such as medicines, are also beneficial to human health. Manufacturing with chemicals has resulted in some new products and technologies that have, arguably, benefited society as a whole by creating new jobs, developing less costly and more durable consumer products and building materials, and improving communication and transportation. However, the true cost of the production, use, and disposal of these synthesized chemicals to the environment and human health is unknown and difficult to quantify. Furthermore, we know that hazards in the workplace associated with chemical exposure often are greater than the hazards from exposure to environmental pollutants. Many other factors also play a role, including poverty and employment status, which affect nutrition and access to health care, violence, smoking, and drug use. Scientists and policymakers still do not know the exact degree to which human health problems can be attributed to environmental pollution and how much should be attributed to other environmental factors or lifestyle choices. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/18 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1104109016 ER -