Environment International (EI) covers the broad field of environmental research that quantifies relationships between exposure to environmental contaminants and their relationship with environmental health. We recognize that environmental issues in relation to environmental health are truly interdisciplinary and therefore will consider articles that cover the entire spectrum of interactions, pathways, fate and effects for any chosen environmental hazard, either chemical, biological or physical. The primary criteria for publication are scientific quality and environmental health significance. Environmental epidemiology and biomarker-based risk assessment represent key areas which require integrated multidisciplinary research to identify, address and resolve current environmental health risk issues. We therefore encourage the submission of articles related to the identification and characterization of biological markers or 'biomarkers'. Biomarkers of exposure to environmental hazards, of environmentally-induced disease and of genetic susceptibility, are in combination revolutionizing the science of risk assessment. All of these measurements have the ability to improve the accuracy, reliability and scientific basis for the quantitative assessment of environmental health risks. We would welcome new approaches in these areas. Also, we particularly encourage papers concerned with issues relating to compounds that act as endocrine disrupters in the environment. This includes issues relating to mechanisms of action, testing, effects on wildlife and human exposure implications. No single format can accommodate all useful contributions to this journal. Five formats are offered: Editorial articles are published by our editor, members of the editorial board or invited guest editors. These focus attention on contemporary important environmental issues in relation to environmental health and are designed to stimulate debate and discussion. Research Articles are up-to-date original papers that present developments in any scientific field which relates environmental issues to health. Informative abstracts are required and articles must be fully referenced. Criteria for publication are weighted toward scientific quality and environmental significance. The manuscript will be evaluated on the basis of its conciseness, clarity, and presentation. The work will be assessed according to its originality, scientific merit, and experimental design. Poorly written manuscripts will be returned to the authors with a request to improve the quality of the paper prior to peer review. Reviews represent articles that emphasize recent developments in a particular field of research. They may be of a broader nature, providing summaries of new developments in any relevant area. Authors are encouraged to write in a clear and simple manner so that the article is unde