ABSTRACT
Humans are exposed to chemical hazards through inhalation, consumption of water and food, and dermal contact. Human life today is highly non-natural, and it takes place predominantly in a man-made (built) environment which is different from the natural ecosystem. Human exposure is restricted to (mainly indoor) air, processed foods and beverages and to minor dermal contact. Occupational health protection gadgets and equipment prevent employees from absorbing hazardous chemical substances at the workplace. In addition to protective wear and equipment, the human organism is highly adaptive and capable of self-defense. But all of this is no help when people are highly exposed to chemical hazards, including new, emerging chemicals whose effects are not (yet) fully known. These effects are different from those of traditional toxicants and are not proportional to their concentrations or doses, and they cannot be measured using traditional toxicological methods.
