Immunotoxic effects of chemicals: A matrix for occupational and environmental epidemiological studies.
BACKGROUND
Many biological and chemical agents have the capacity to alter the way the immune system functions in human and animals. This study evaluates the immunotoxicity of 20 substances used widely in work environments.


METHODS
A systematic literature search on the immunotoxicity of 20 chemicals was performed. The first step was to review literature on immunotoxicity testing and testing schemes adopted for establishing immunotoxicity in humans. The second step consisted of providing a documentation on immunotoxicity of substances that are widely used in work environment, by building tables for each chemical of interest (benzene, trichloroethylene, PAHs, crystalline silica, diesel exhausts, welding fumes, asbestos, styrene, formaldehyde, toluene, vinyl chloride monomer, tetrachloroethylene, chlorophenols, 1,3-butadiene, mineral oils, P-dichlorobenzene, dichloromethane, xylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, ethylene oxide). The third step was the classification of substances; an index (strong, intermediate, weak, nil) was assigned on the basis of the evidence of toxicity and type of immunotoxic effects (immunosuppression, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity) on the basis of the immune responses. Finally substances were assigned a score of immunotoxic power.


RESULTS
Tables have been produced that include information for the 20 substances of interest, based on 227 animal studies and 94 human studies. Each substance was assigned an index of immunotoxic evidence, a score of immunotoxic power and type of immunotoxic effect.


CONCLUSIONS
This matrix can represent a tool to identify chemicals with similar properties concerning the toxicity for the immune system, and to interpret epidemiological studies on immune-related diseases.
Veraldi
Angela
A
Centre for Study and Cancer Prevention, Unit of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Florence, Italy.
Costantini
Adele Seniori
AS
Bolejack
Vanessa
V
Miligi
Lucia
L
Vineis
Paolo
P
van Loveren
Henk
H
D000818:Animals; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D000922:Immunotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D000922:Immunotoxins