The Immunodepressive Effect of Phenol Derivatives

Abstract

The potentially damaging impact of manmade environmental contaminants on biological systems was first brought to our attention by the astute observations of Sir Percival Potts over 200 years ago. With impressive scientific acumen, he related the high incidence of scrotal neoplasia in chimney sweeps to their continued exposure to soot. The full significance of these observations remained hidden for more than 100 years until Japanese workers developed experimental models to study chemical carcinogenesis. As we look back at this series of events, it is regrettable to realize that greater scientific awareness might have contributed to shortening the time between Potts’ original observation and further research on the phenomenon of chemical carcinogenesis. Great concern has existed since that first observation about possible noxious effects of the many new chemicals which are introduced in the environment daily.