In this two-part podcast, Dr. Jim Meador discusses the theory and application of tissue concentrations (internal concentrations) as the dose metric for characterizing toxic effects. In Part 1, Dr. Meador provides a brief introduction to the tissue residue approach for toxicity assessment (TRA) and discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages. In Part 2, he presents a few TRA examples and explores how we can improve this underutilized method for assessing risk from contaminants. Applications of the TRA are also discussed briefly.

Part 1 available on iTunes or YouTube
Part 2 available on iTunes or YouTube

Summary

In 2007, Dr. Meador organized and chaired a Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Pellston workshop entitled “The Tissue Residue Approach for Toxicity Assessment (TRA).” A group of 39 scientists from 9 countries convened in Leavenworth, Washington, USA to evaluate the theory and application of tissue concentrations (internal concentrations) as the dose metric for characterizing toxic effects. An important consensus of the experts at the workshop was that the TRA can enhance the scientific understanding of the interaction between exposure and consequent effects, which will strengthen our ability to assess and manage risks from chemical contamination. The workshop participants also felt that appropriate application of the TRA can reduce variability, diminish uncertainties, and improve interpretation of causality as compared to both traditional toxicity testing and assessments based solely on concentrations in exposure media.

About the Guest
Dr. James Meador is an environmental toxicologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service in Seattle, Washington, USA, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). His area of expertise includes the environmental factors that affect the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of contaminants, the role of toxicokinetics in predicting bioaccumulation, and the differences that species exhibit in their response to toxicants. Jim’s interests evolved over the last several years to include evaluation of toxic responses as a function of tissue concentrations. His research currently focuses on alterations to growth and energetics in fish exposed to a variety of contaminants. He has published numerous research articles and book chapters on these topics and has studied a wide range of species including algae, polychaete worms, amphipods, fish, and marine mammals.

Articles Referenced in this Podcast
All articles are a part of the Tissue Residue Approach Special Series, published in IEAM Volume 7, Issue 1.