Computerized information resources in toxicology and industrial health--a review

The explosion in scientific information presents problems for toxicologists and industrial health specialists who need to respond rapidly and comprehensively to the information needs of the public, government and industry. The application of information technology enables large volumes of toxicology and industrial health information to be stored and retrieved through a variety of data-base resources. Three different categories of databases are described: dictionary, bibliographic and informational types. Examples of specific toxicology and industrial health databases within each category are given; their origin, style and content are reviewed. Specialists in the industrial health field are encouraged to improve their knowledge and literacy in the new disciplines of information technology and information science.