Metabolism and effects of organic compounds in animals.

In recent years, society has become increasingly aware and concerned about protection from chemicals released into the environment. The knowledge of the metabolism and effects of organic compounds in animals, specifically food-producing animals, are of paramount importance in assessing potential human health hazards. An intensive effort has been directed at detection of chemicals in the environment, determination of their physiological insult and cellular interaction; in particular their carcinogenic and mutagenic induction capability. The chemical exposure of food-producing animals can be extremely difficult to evaluate and quite devastating. The exposure of food-producing animals to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) emphasizes the seriousness of the problem. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), capable of inducing cancer in experimental animals, have been studied extensively in laboratory animals. Current studies deal with the mechanism of metabolism of PAHs and the ultimate carcinogenic form. Although our knowledge concerning the health hazards of organic chemicals is continually increasing, its impact on food-producing animals and man's food chain is poorly understood. Awareness of the problem by practicing veterinarians and toxicologists, environmental toxicologists and public health officials is required to evaluate the impact of organic chemicals on the human food chain.