As suspicion and confusion abound among some physicians regarding chelation, we present an insightful review of the broad field of chelation for detoxification of toxic elements. While various papers in the literature on toxic elements have explored towards the issues of mercury and lead contamination, we are grateful to share a paper on the rising problem of cadmium toxicity.One of the predominant determinants of persistence of toxic compounds within the body is their level of lipophilicity��or their affinity for fat tissues. Many lipophilic compounds have prolonged half-lives in the body with ongoing potential for detriment. We are pleased to include a paper in this edition on novel interventions designed to facilitate the rapid elimination of some lipophilic compounds through the gastrointestinal tract.

Finally, we present a paper which explores the effect of induced sweating on the release of phthalate plasticizers��one of the most common chemical exposures of contemporary society. Thus a variety of problems and potential management strategies are examined and discussed in this special edition.With the ongoing chemical erosion of human health [11], we anticipate that there will be continued and escalating attention to the area of environmental health sciences in the medical community, as well as among the general population throughout the world. As the impact of toxic chemicals can include health afflictions involving many varied specialties, we also anticipate a need for clinicians from the spectrum of medical disciplines to become aware of this problem and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to intervene to diminish toxicant body burdens.

As more clinical scientists become apprised of the reality of toxicant bioaccumulation and impacts on health, it is likely that elimination of toxicants or ��clinical detoxification�� will gain status as a foremost aspect of mainstream medical practice. Batimastat We hope that this special issue will be a springboard for more research and attention to this field. Thank you for perusing and for considering the information we present in this special issue.Stephen J. GenuisMargaret E. SearsGerry SchwalfenbergJanette HopeRobin Bernhoft
The intensive 200-year study of Lake Baikal found that it is the oldest (25�C30 million years), the deepest (1637m), and the largest (23000 cubic km) repository of fresh water on the planet (20% affordable drinking water), with the status of the Natural World Heritage sites (Merida, 1996). Although Baikal is one of the most studied lakes in the world, there are still ��white�� spots. One of them is the Chivyrkuy Gulf, the largest and the least studied part of the lake. Nevertheless, the Chivyrkuy Gulf is a unique ecosystem.