The use of mammals as sentinels for human exposure to toxic contaminants in the environment.

Abstract

The use of sentinel species shows the potential to bridge the gap between animal-based and human-based environmental health research. With regard to the assessment of environmental contamination, the use of the terms "indicator," "monitor," and "sentinel" has often been confusing and ambiguous. A set of definitions is proposed as a standard to rectify this situation. The advantages of the use of sentinel species are provided, as well as criteria for sentinel selection, based on species characteristics. The recent use of mammals as sentinels for human exposure to toxic environmental contaminants is reviewed. A tabulated review of mammals proposed as indicators or monitors is included, as these may act as a database for the selection of sentinel species for future research efforts. The complexity and subtlety of factors interacting between an organism and its environment make it imperative that one provide a focused definition of what one wants the sentinel to assess and for what particular aspect of human health. Some examples of how sentinels might be selected for particular research questions are provided. While the potential for sentinel use in the field of environmental health is enormous, future investigators need to choose sentinels carefully, based on well-defined research questions, and confine conclusions drawn to the particular problem the sentinel was chosen to assess.

Genomic Sensitivity of Small Mammals - A Suitable Test System in the Genetic Monitoring

“…Human subjects would provide the most reliable information for risk assessment on human health and ecological risk, but this is not an accepted practice for many ethical reasons. Investigations which use suitable animal test systems and answers they could give may be a potential bridge to meet the gap between the animal-based and human-based environmental observations (O'Brien et al, 1993). The use of mammals to assess the human exposure to toxic environmental contaminants is unquestionable.…”

“…Free-living wild rodents are suitable for monitoring the environmental pollution and toxicological risk concerning people living in contaminated regions (O'Brien et al, 1993;Damek-Poprawa & Sawicka-Kapusta, 2003). When small mammals are mentioned, it is generally meant species from two orders: Rodentia and Insectivora.…”

Lesions associated with mineral deposition in the lymph nodes and lungs of cattle: a case-control study of environmental health hazard.

“…They can suffer from the potential acute and chronic effects of such exposure. Animal population exposed to contaminants in the environment are referred to as "animal sentinel systems" (ASS) [8,9]. These are designed to the identification or the monitoring of a variety of environmental contaminants dangerous to the human, animal and ecosystem health.…”

“…These are designed to the identification or the monitoring of a variety of environmental contaminants dangerous to the human, animal and ecosystem health. A sentinel animal is defines like "one which points out or directs attention to something", and more specifically, sentinel animals are defines like "a group of animals whose presence acts as a sign of particular environmental conditions" [8,9].…”

Animals as Sentinels of Human Environmental Health Hazards: An Evidence-Based Analysis

“…Disease events in animals may also have relevance for ecosystem health in general, but their use specifically for human health (O'Brien et al, 1993) has been advocated in recent years by several national panels (National Research Council, 1991; National Academy of Sciences, 1999;van der Schalie et al, 1999). Requirements for the utility of animal sentinels include predictive reliability and the ability to warn communities of impending danger in time for them to take preventive steps (Stephen and Ribble, 2001).…”