The December 2009 issue of the Environmental Factor is now online at:
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/index.cfm
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/index.cfm
Friday, December 4, 2009
Effect of environmental chemicals on genes and the expression
Effect of environmental chemicals on genes and the expression
Ueda K.
Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University.
Yakugaku Zasshi. 2009 Dec;129(12):1501-6.
Chemicals act on biological molecules and affect their functions. DNA is one of the most important targets, damaging of which could lead to diverse diseases including cancer. The mode of action of chemicals to DNA contains chemical reaction and protein factor-mediated modulation of the function. In this review, these actions are described in view of effects of chemicals on DNA. First, oxidative damage of DNA is described in several cases of chemicals focusing on its mechanisms involving metals such as copper. We have demonstrated: DNA binding of copper ions prior to reduction-oxidation reaction is crucial for the damaging, probably due to the proximal attack of reactive oxygen species; reduction of the bound copper induces a conformational change of DNA strand through rearrangement of copper-coordination geometry; RNA, another nucleic acid, is more liable to oxidative damage than DNA. Impact of RNA damage on oxidative stress-related diseases is discussed. Second, a group of chemicals called endocrine disruptors is described. Phthalate esters are ubiquitous endocrine disruptors of which mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we present our research performed for elucidation of the active metabolite and molecular target. Novel candidates of active metabolite are suggested.
Finally, toxicological activity dynamics are described, showing several chemicals exert toxic potential by structural alteration in the environment, metabolism, or both. These imply gene-environment interactions that would underlie various diseases induced by environmental chemicals.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19952529?itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1
Ueda K.
Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University.
Yakugaku Zasshi. 2009 Dec;129(12):1501-6.
Chemicals act on biological molecules and affect their functions. DNA is one of the most important targets, damaging of which could lead to diverse diseases including cancer. The mode of action of chemicals to DNA contains chemical reaction and protein factor-mediated modulation of the function. In this review, these actions are described in view of effects of chemicals on DNA. First, oxidative damage of DNA is described in several cases of chemicals focusing on its mechanisms involving metals such as copper. We have demonstrated: DNA binding of copper ions prior to reduction-oxidation reaction is crucial for the damaging, probably due to the proximal attack of reactive oxygen species; reduction of the bound copper induces a conformational change of DNA strand through rearrangement of copper-coordination geometry; RNA, another nucleic acid, is more liable to oxidative damage than DNA. Impact of RNA damage on oxidative stress-related diseases is discussed. Second, a group of chemicals called endocrine disruptors is described. Phthalate esters are ubiquitous endocrine disruptors of which mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we present our research performed for elucidation of the active metabolite and molecular target. Novel candidates of active metabolite are suggested.
Finally, toxicological activity dynamics are described, showing several chemicals exert toxic potential by structural alteration in the environment, metabolism, or both. These imply gene-environment interactions that would underlie various diseases induced by environmental chemicals.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19952529?itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1
'Life awaits our action' - be wise
'Life awaits our action' – be wise
http://www.lakeoswegoreview.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=125979665284143700
"The Bureau of Land Management is gearing up to assault Oregon with a greatly expanded arsenal of toxic chemicals. In 1984, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a full injunction on the spraying programs that had so injured my family and our animals, both domestic and wild, and many others like us. (Save Our ecoSystems v Clark, and Merrill v Block). Our trial hearings and the final injunction were then used to expand the ban to all the Northwest by the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides; and all herbicide spraying on public lands was finally halted federally by the then-Secretary of Agriculture."
http://www.lakeoswegoreview.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=125979665284143700
"The Bureau of Land Management is gearing up to assault Oregon with a greatly expanded arsenal of toxic chemicals. In 1984, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a full injunction on the spraying programs that had so injured my family and our animals, both domestic and wild, and many others like us. (Save Our ecoSystems v Clark, and Merrill v Block). Our trial hearings and the final injunction were then used to expand the ban to all the Northwest by the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides; and all herbicide spraying on public lands was finally halted federally by the then-Secretary of Agriculture."
Formaldehyde causes leukemia too
Formaldehyde causes leukemia too
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/newsevents/newsfiche.asp?pk=1320
"Formaldehyde, a carcinogen used in many sectors of industry, may increase the risk of developing leukaemia, reports an expert opinion given to an October meeting of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen (Group 1) but so far mainly linked to nasopharyngeal and nasal sinus cancer."
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/newsevents/newsfiche.asp?pk=1320
"Formaldehyde, a carcinogen used in many sectors of industry, may increase the risk of developing leukaemia, reports an expert opinion given to an October meeting of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen (Group 1) but so far mainly linked to nasopharyngeal and nasal sinus cancer."
Toxic Toys Found on New York Store Shelves
Toxic Toys Found on New York Store Shelves
Study finds lead, mercury, and other risks in toys
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/25968/
Study finds lead, mercury, and other risks in toys
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/25968/
"Toys lined up on a table—from Buzz Lightyear figures to plush puppy dolls and princess necklaces—all of which could kill or harm a child, according to the 2009 Trouble in Toyland report from the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG)."
Chelation Effective for Autism
Study Shows Chelation Effective for Autism
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg28.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Chelation_Effective_for
Just the facts about roadside spraying of herbicides
Just the facts about roadside spraying of herbicides
U.S. toy study finds toxic substances
U.S. toy study finds toxic substances
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2009/12/02/man-toys-toxic-usa.html
"Seven hundred products geared toward children have tested positive for high levels of toxic substances, including lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, a new U.S. study released on Wednesday shows.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2009/12/02/man-toys-toxic-usa.html
"Seven hundred products geared toward children have tested positive for high levels of toxic substances, including lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, a new U.S. study released on Wednesday shows.
Researchers for the Ecology Center, a health-advocacy group based in Ann Arbor, Mich., tested the products and released their findings in a yearly report issued in time for the holiday shopping season."
Toxic chemicals found in a third of children's toys: study
Toxic chemicals found in a third of children's toys: study
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iEkdLWmmwoHWwwFK08n-mt9_RCrQ
"A third of the most popular children's toys in the United States this year contain harmful chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, a US consumer group said Wednesday."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iEkdLWmmwoHWwwFK08n-mt9_RCrQ
"A third of the most popular children's toys in the United States this year contain harmful chemicals including lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, a US consumer group said Wednesday."
Treatments for asthma and pre-term labor may increase risk of autism in developing fetus
Treatments for asthma and pre-term labor may increase risk of autism in developing fetus
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/ehs-tfa120109.php
"Commonly prescribed beta 2 adrenergic agonist drugs for the treatment of asthma in pregnant women as well as pre-term labor may increase the incidence of autism-spectrum disorders, psychiatric pathology, cognitive problems and poor school performance in their children, according to a new study published in the December 2009 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/ehs-tfa120109.php
"Commonly prescribed beta 2 adrenergic agonist drugs for the treatment of asthma in pregnant women as well as pre-term labor may increase the incidence of autism-spectrum disorders, psychiatric pathology, cognitive problems and poor school performance in their children, according to a new study published in the December 2009 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology."
Baby Boys May Be at Risk From Mom's Bug Spray Use
Baby Boys May Be at Risk From Mom's Bug Spray Use
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/HealthScout/091203/612039AU.html
"Male babies of women who use insect repellents during the first three months of pregnancy appear to be at increased risk for a birth defect called hypospadias, researchers report."
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/HealthScout/091203/612039AU.html
"Male babies of women who use insect repellents during the first three months of pregnancy appear to be at increased risk for a birth defect called hypospadias, researchers report."
Chemical pneumonitis and subsequent RADS after a single exposure to a household product: a case report
Chemical pneumonitis and subsequent reactive airways dysfunction syndrome after a single exposure to a household product: a case report
http://jmedicalcasereports.com/content/3/1/112
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2009, 3:112doi:10.1186/1752-1947-3-112
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Household products are usually safe to use. Adverse events arising from their use are mostly reported in patients with pre-existing atopy or pulmonary problems and usually only after a prolonged exposure to such products. We report the case of a patient with no prior problems who developed significant side effects from a single exposure to a domestic product.Case presentation
A 43-year-old Caucasian American man, previously in good health, used a domestic aerosol product called 'Stand N' Seal "Spray-On" Grout Sealer' in an enclosed room in his house. The product contained n-butyl acetate (<5%), propane (10%), isobutane (<5%), C8-C9 petroleum hydrocarbon solvent (80%), a fluoropolymer resin and a solvent. Within a few hours of exposure to the sealant, he developed rapidly progressive shortness of breath and a severe non-productive cough. By the time he reached the emergency room he was severely hypoxic. A diagnosis of chemical pneumonitis was made based on the clinical scenario and the diffuse infiltrates on the computer tomography scan. With supportive therapy, his condition improved and he was discharged from the hospital. However, he continued to have symptoms of intermittent cough and shortness of breath in response to strong odours, fumes, cold air and exertion even after his chest radiograph had normalized. Three months later, bronchial hyper-responsiveness was documented by a methacholine inhalation test and a diagnosis of reactive airways dysfunction syndrome was made. The patient was started on high-dose inhaled steroids and his symptoms improved. The mechanism of toxicity and determination of the exact agent responsible is still under investigation.Conclusion
A household product may still prove unsafe to use even after it has gone through vigorous testing and approval processes. Even healthy individuals are susceptible to adverse outcomes after a brief exposure. Extra precautions should be taken when using any chemical product at home.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
An Interview with Author Eva Cabellé: Missing: A Life Broken by Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
An Interview with Author Eva Cabellé
Missing: A Life Broken by Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg2345678910.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_An_Interview_with
Q&A How to Block EMF Exposure
Q&A How to Block EMF Exposure
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg2627.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Fast_Metabolism_Linked
New frontiers - and limitations - in testing people's bodies for chemicals
New frontiers – and limitations – in testing people's bodies for chemicals
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/new-horizons-in-biomonitoring
"New horizons in biomonitoring are identifying environmental exposures that may play a role in health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. At their fingertips, researchers already have precise measurements of nearly 150 chemicals in several thousand American adults and children. Now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is preparing to release even more extensive data, and expand its reach by testing 500 umbilical cords, which will allow scientists to determine which chemicals babies are exposed to in the womb. Biomonitoring "is a game changer in environmental health," said Thomas Burke of Johns Hopkins University. Nevertheless, actual use of the information hasn't yet fulfilled its potential."
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/new-horizons-in-biomonitoring
"New horizons in biomonitoring are identifying environmental exposures that may play a role in health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. At their fingertips, researchers already have precise measurements of nearly 150 chemicals in several thousand American adults and children. Now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is preparing to release even more extensive data, and expand its reach by testing 500 umbilical cords, which will allow scientists to determine which chemicals babies are exposed to in the womb. Biomonitoring "is a game changer in environmental health," said Thomas Burke of Johns Hopkins University. Nevertheless, actual use of the information hasn't yet fulfilled its potential."
Healthy, organic and cheap school lunches? Order up
| Healthy, organic and cheap school lunches? Order up |
"On the combination plate of problems plaguing the USA's public schools, few are as intractable as this: Can you serve fresh, healthful meals each day to millions of kids without breaking the bank, or must you resort to serving up deep-fried, processed, less expensive junk?"
Possible defect link to fly sprays
Possible defect link to fly sprays
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iQGeDUYO34vUfdYaEkeCdGnqpDxw
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iQGeDUYO34vUfdYaEkeCdGnqpDxw
"Using insect repellents in early pregnancy could put unborn boys at risk of a birth defect, research suggests."
Possible new law re: toxic chemicals
Possible new law re: toxic chemicals
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/the-problem-solver/2009/11/possible-new-law-for-toxic-chemicals-applied-to-vegetation.html
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/the-problem-solver/2009/11/possible-new-law-for-toxic-chemicals-applied-to-vegetation.html
"When Commonwealth Edison Co. contractors sprayed Garlon 3A herbicide along 5.6 miles of vegetation beneath ComEd transmission lines in the North-Shore suburbs this summer, it caused quite a ruckus with residents and Northfield Village President Fred Gougler."
Condominiums for the Chemically Sensitive
I was just asked to add this to our website housing listings. Thought it might be of interest to others:
Regina Caeli Environmental Condos
Condominiums for the Chemically Sensitive
5727 Richmond Ave,
Dallas, Texas 75206
phone (469) 556-5049 email earlremmel@netzero.net
Located near The Environmental Health Center of Dallas (Dr. William Rea), Biocompatible (MCS) Dentists and to the offices of Alfred Johnson D.O. and Associates.
Short and Long Term rental accomodations. Long term residency available at new lower rates.
Condominiums for the Chemically Sensitive
5727 Richmond Ave,
Dallas, Texas 75206
phone (469) 556-5049 email earlremmel@netzero.net
Located near The Environmental Health Center of Dallas (Dr. William Rea), Biocompatible (MCS) Dentists and to the offices of Alfred Johnson D.O. and Associates.
Short and Long Term rental accomodations. Long term residency available at new lower rates.
Book Review: Understanding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity by Els Valkenburg
Book Review: Understanding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity by Els Valkenburg
"This is a very well-written book about the devastating environmental illness of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). The author, points out that nowadays, more and more people are affected by perfume, air fresheners, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes and much more, and that due to lack of information, many people do not make the connection between their health problems, and exposures to chemicals in their daily lives, and when over the years, their symptoms of MCS have drastically increased, it may be too late and the situation may have become irreversible."
Online Calendar. These and more upcoming events are listed in a searchable calendar
Online Calendar. These and more upcoming events are listed in a searchable calendar: http://www.healthandenvironment.org/cgi-bin/searchevents.cgi
Example:
1) PPTOXII: Role of Environmental Stressors in the Development of Origins of Disease
Westwood/Walpole League of Women Voters host Elizabeth Saunders talk on toxins
Westwood/Walpole League of Women Voters host Elizabeth Saunders talk on toxins
http://www.wickedlocal.com/westwood/news/x1682945961/Westwood-Walpole-League-of-Women-Voters-host-Elizabeth-Saunders-talk-on-toxins
"More than eighty thousand chemicals, many of which have been banned in Europe because they are considered hazardous to health, have been introduced into our every day lives. Over one third of the US population is suffering from chronic diseases, including cancers, asthma, autism, learning diabetes, birth defects, endometriosis, diabetes, ALS, and Parkinson's disease. Scientific evidence increasingly indicates that toxic chemicals contribute to this epidemic of diseases and disorders."
http://www.wickedlocal.com/westwood/news/x1682945961/Westwood-Walpole-League-of-Women-Voters-host-Elizabeth-Saunders-talk-on-toxins
"More than eighty thousand chemicals, many of which have been banned in Europe because they are considered hazardous to health, have been introduced into our every day lives. Over one third of the US population is suffering from chronic diseases, including cancers, asthma, autism, learning diabetes, birth defects, endometriosis, diabetes, ALS, and Parkinson's disease. Scientific evidence increasingly indicates that toxic chemicals contribute to this epidemic of diseases and disorders."
Study suggests DEHP link to shortened pregnancies
Study suggests DEHP link to shortened pregnancies
http://www.plasticsnews.com/headlines2.html?id=17234&channel=86
"A study of pregnant woman whose urine indicates a presence of the phthalate plasticizer DEHP suggests that those with the highest concentrations give birth five days earlier than those women in the study who had lower DEHP levels."
http://www.plasticsnews.com/headlines2.html?id=17234&channel=86
"A study of pregnant woman whose urine indicates a presence of the phthalate plasticizer DEHP suggests that those with the highest concentrations give birth five days earlier than those women in the study who had lower DEHP levels."
32 Toxic Chemicals in 10 Minority Babies
32 Toxic Chemicals in 10 Minority Babies
http://www.ewg.org/node/28357/print
http://www.ewg.org/node/28357/print
"Laboratory tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group have, for the first time, detected bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic component and synthetic estrogen, in umbilical cord blood of American infants. 9 out of 10 Tested Had BPA"
Wet weather brings out the mycotoxins
Wet weather brings out the mycotoxins
http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/nov09/nov30/1120ISUwetweathermyotoxinsk.cfm
"This year's relatively cool, wet growing season and rainy fall have delayed grain harvesting and has increased the risk for mold development on grain. When mold develops it can increase the formation of mycotoxins which can be toxic to humans and animals."
http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/nov09/nov30/1120ISUwetweathermyotoxinsk.cfm
"This year's relatively cool, wet growing season and rainy fall have delayed grain harvesting and has increased the risk for mold development on grain. When mold develops it can increase the formation of mycotoxins which can be toxic to humans and animals."
Childhood lead exposure causes permanent brain damage
Childhood lead exposure causes permanent brain damage
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/rson-cle112409.php
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/rson-cle112409.php
"A study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate brain function revealed that adults who were exposed to lead as children incur permanent brain injury. The results were presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
"What we have found is that no region of the brain is spared from lead exposure," said the study's lead author, Kim Cecil, Ph.D., imaging scientist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and professor of radiology, pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine."
To keep muscles strong, the 'garbage' has to go
To keep muscles strong, the 'garbage' has to go
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/cp-tkm112309.php
"In order to maintain muscle strength with age, cells must rid themselves of the garbage that accumulates in them over time, just as it does in any household, according to a new study in the December issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press journal. In the case of cells, that waste material includes spent organelles, toxic clumps of proteins, and pathogens."
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/cp-tkm112309.php
"In order to maintain muscle strength with age, cells must rid themselves of the garbage that accumulates in them over time, just as it does in any household, according to a new study in the December issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press journal. In the case of cells, that waste material includes spent organelles, toxic clumps of proteins, and pathogens."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Vaccine Adjuvant Alters Neurological Function in Rat Experiment
Vaccine Adjuvant Alters Neurological Function in Rat Experiment
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg25.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Vaccine_Adjuvant_Alters
PDF Version: http://mcs-america.org/December2009pg25.pdf
Online Version: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2009.htm#_Vaccine_Adjuvant_Alters
Study Links Rhinitis to Pesticide Exposure
Study Links Rhinitis to Pesticide Exposure
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=2755
"(Beyond Pesticides, December 1, 2009) A new study published in the November 2009 issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, adds rhinitis, the inflammation of the mucous lining of the nose, to the long list of ailments linked to pesticide exposure. "Rhinitis associated with pesticide exposure among commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study," examined data from 2,245 Iowa commercial pesticide applicators and evaluated the association between rhinitis and 34 pesticides used in the past year. Seventy-four percent of commercial pesticide applicators in the study reported at least one episode of rhinitis in the past year (current rhinitis), compared with about 20-30% of the general population.":
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/?p=2755
"(Beyond Pesticides, December 1, 2009) A new study published in the November 2009 issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, adds rhinitis, the inflammation of the mucous lining of the nose, to the long list of ailments linked to pesticide exposure. "Rhinitis associated with pesticide exposure among commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study," examined data from 2,245 Iowa commercial pesticide applicators and evaluated the association between rhinitis and 34 pesticides used in the past year. Seventy-four percent of commercial pesticide applicators in the study reported at least one episode of rhinitis in the past year (current rhinitis), compared with about 20-30% of the general population.":
The impact of new research technologies on our understanding of environmental causes of disease: the concept of clinical vulnerability
The impact of new research technologies on our understanding of environmental causes of disease: the concept of clinical vulnerability
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/8/1/54/abstract
Paolo Vineis , Aneire E Khan , Jelle Vlaanderen and Roel Vermeulen
Environmental Health 2009, 8:54doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-54
Published:30 November 2009
Abstract (provisional)
In spite of decades of epidemiological research, the etiology and causal patterns for many common diseases, such as breast and colon cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, are still largely unknown. Such chronic diseases are likely to have an environmental origin. However, "environmental" risks have been often elusive in epidemiological studies. This is a conundrum for current epidemiological research. On the other side, the relative contribution of genes to chronic diseases, as emerging from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), seems to be modest (15-50% increase in disease risk). What is yet to be explored extensively is a model of disease based on long-term effects of low doses of environmental exposures, incorporating both genetic and acquired susceptibility ("clinical vulnerability"), and the cumulative effects of different exposures. Such a disease model would be compatible with the weak associations found by GWAS and the still elusive role of many (low-level) environmental exposures. The introduction of "-omic" high-throughput technologies, such as transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, may provide, in the next years, powerful tools to investigate early effects of environmental exposures and understand the etiology of common diseases better, according to the "clinical vulnerability model". The development of "-omics", in spite of current limitations and lack of sound validation, could greatly contribute to the elucidation of the disease model we propose.
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/8/1/54/abstract
Paolo Vineis , Aneire E Khan , Jelle Vlaanderen and Roel Vermeulen
Environmental Health 2009, 8:54doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-54
Published:30 November 2009
Abstract (provisional)
In spite of decades of epidemiological research, the etiology and causal patterns for many common diseases, such as breast and colon cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, are still largely unknown. Such chronic diseases are likely to have an environmental origin. However, "environmental" risks have been often elusive in epidemiological studies. This is a conundrum for current epidemiological research. On the other side, the relative contribution of genes to chronic diseases, as emerging from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), seems to be modest (15-50% increase in disease risk). What is yet to be explored extensively is a model of disease based on long-term effects of low doses of environmental exposures, incorporating both genetic and acquired susceptibility ("clinical vulnerability"), and the cumulative effects of different exposures. Such a disease model would be compatible with the weak associations found by GWAS and the still elusive role of many (low-level) environmental exposures. The introduction of "-omic" high-throughput technologies, such as transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, may provide, in the next years, powerful tools to investigate early effects of environmental exposures and understand the etiology of common diseases better, according to the "clinical vulnerability model". The development of "-omics", in spite of current limitations and lack of sound validation, could greatly contribute to the elucidation of the disease model we propose.
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