Environmental toxicology in addressing public health challenges in Africa

Environmental toxicology is a diverse scientific discipline that is highly influential in the field of toxicology, environmental health, and public policy. However, there is a paucity of data that clearly explains how environmental exposures and health outcomes in African communities are related. In order to highlight current accomplishments and identify important research gaps, we evaluated the literature on environmental health research in African populations during the previous 10 years, as well as research including both genomic and environmental components. The respiratory and cardiovascular health endpoints associated with air pollution were comparable to those from other countries. Dust and some occupational exposures were the only sources of air pollution found in Africa and some other regions with limited resources. Literature detailing the detrimental effects of pesticides, metals, and food mold on health provided a context exclusive to Africa. There have been relatively few studies on the effects of phenols, flame retardants, PFASs, and phthalates. These findings highlight the necessity of concentrating more on potential threats to human health posed by the environment and chemicals, as well as of better integrating environmental and genetic factors into research conducted in Africa.