ABSTRACT
The Office of Toxic Substances (OTS) is planning a National Blood Network similar to the National Human Adipose Tissue Survey (NHATS), currently administered by the Exposure Evaluation Division of OTS. Selected metals and organics will be monitored in the blood of the general US population so that changes in the levels over time can be assessed. Midwest Research Institute (MRI) compiled brief summaries on the health effects from metal exposures for use in identifying specific metals to be included in the analytical chemistry protocols for the OTS's human monitoring initiative. The health effects compilation will also aid in interpretation and evaluation of the results from the chemical analyses. Elements chosen for review included all metals for which some toxicity other than radiation effects might be expected, plus selenium, tellurium, and the metalloid arsenic. Any information in the individual metal profiles linking exposure and/or toxicity to blood concentrations includes MRI's qualitative rating.
