TP17 Biomarkers
Tuesday, 15 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM in Exhibit Hall

(ZIL-1124-209596) International Society for Environmental Bioindicators.

Zillioux, E¹, Newman, J², ¹ University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Health² Pandion Systems, Inc., Gainesville, FL

ABSTRACT- The International Society for Environmental Bioindicators (ISEB) and the journal Environmental Bioindicators (EBI), have been formed to provide a home and forum for bioindicator research at all levels of biological organization including genes, molecules, individual organisms including humans, populations and ecological communities. Environmental Bioindicators seeks to explore the scientific bases and uses of bioindicators and biomarkers of environmental stressors as they relate directly to specific measurable effects in ecological (floral, faunal and landscape) and human populations. Emphasis is placed on the application of these indicators as tools to help in understanding (1) the probability that the presence of a stressor (e.g.: contaminant; natural phenomenon; altered physical condition) in the ambient environment may produce an adverse effect in exposed receptors or populations, (2) the degree of harm that may be indicated, and (3) the integration of these data to characterize environmental health. Inherent in this approach is the objective of providing an empirically-derived foundation to help define environmental health and requisite protection, management or restoration needs, and from which responsible action, including informed and cost-effective regulatory endpoints, can be developed. The First International Conference on Environmental Bioindicators was held in Prague in June 2005 under the auspices of the ISEB and the International Union of Biological Scientists (IUBS), International Commission on Bioindicators. Future Conferences are planned yearly and will alternate among locations in North America, Europe and Asia.

Key words: Bioindicators