Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment provides an in-depth introduction to the basic concepts of environmental toxicology (such as principles of toxicology, dose-response assessment, and major classes of environmental hazards) and health risk assessment (risk assessment methodologies, extrapolation factors, setting environmental guidelines). The course will focus on human health, but include consideration of other living organisms. The purpose of this course is to develop skills in applying the risk assessment approach and to understand it within the broader context of managing environmental health risks.

INTRODUCTION OF COURSE:

This course focuses on the systematic approaches used to identify and assess the health risks presented by environmental hazards. It introduces the basic principles of toxicology and the fundamentals of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterisation. It also covers regulatory considerations of how toxicological evidence is used along other types of information to evaluate and manage the health risks associated with environmental hazards, including the setting of environmental guidelines. Factors influencing risk perception and key principles of risk communication are also covered.

The objectives of this course are to provide students with an understanding of the monitoring, fate and risk assessment of contaminants in environmental and biological systems. Classes of contaminants discussed include heavy metals, pesticides, and other water-, soil- and food-borne toxicants. The properties of contaminants which influence their environmental distribution and transformations and the characteristics of the environment which influence contaminant toxicity to organisms are discussed. Students are introduced to the principles of toxicology necessary for the understanding of the environmental consequences of contaminants. 

This course is intended to provide students with an appreciation and understanding of the principles of environmental risk assessment including:

• Hazard Identification
• Toxicity Assessment
• Exposure Assessment
• Risk Characterization
• Emphasis is placed on contemporary problems in human health and the environment.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Mid: 30
• Final: 45
• Practical: 15
• Sessional: 10

Readings/ Bibliography:

1. Dong, M.H. (2018). An introduction to environmental toxicology. (4th ed.).Carolina: Create Space

Independent Publishing Platform.

2. Laws, E.A. (2013). Environmental toxicology. Switzerland: Springer.

3. Sing, A. & Ward, O.P. (2004). Applied bioremediation and phytoremediation. Switzerland: Springer.

4. Rattner, B.A., Burton, G.A. & Cairns, J. (2002). Handbook of ecotoxicology. Florida: CRC Press.

Weekly Lecture Plan

​TEACHING POSSIBLE OUTCOMES:

• After successfully completing this course students should be able to know how the properties of contaminants can influence their environmental distribution and transformation, how the characteristics of the environment can influence their toxicity to organisms, and to identify the appropriate methodologies for remediation.

• Explain the purpose and scope of health risk assessment, including the types of scientific information needed for each key element (hazard identification, Dose-response, exposure assessment, risk characterisation).
• Apply the risk assessment framework to assess and evaluate contaminants found in different environmental media
• Explain the sources of uncertainty in risk assessment and the approaches that are used to take them into account
• Describe the principles underpinning health-based guidelines