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Your Environment. Your Health.

Exposure-based Research Programs

Much of the work carried out by DTT is in support of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency partnership of the Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and NIEHS.

Visit the NTP Website

The Division of Translational Toxicology’s (DTT) Exposure-based Research Programs aim to solve contemporary public health problems related to environmental exposures.

The intent is to develop and apply novel tools and approaches to better predict potential harm to human health from environmental exposures we encounter at home, at work, and at play.

The following programs make up this strategic area of focus.

test tubes and flask

Combined Exposures and Mixtures Program

Humans are continuously exposed to mixtures of chemicals. Challenges continue in characterizing exposure to mixtures, evaluating their toxicity and hazard, and assessing associated risk. Limitations in understanding have led to inconsistent use of available methods to assess mixtures and uncertainties in their application. The lack of harmonized terminology or methods' comparisons complicate the synthesis of information across disciplines and impede the use of mixtures data in decision-making.

An orange triangle with cleaning products in the center, surrounded by images of cosmetics, more cleaning products and white pills spilling out of a perscription bottle.

Consumer Products and Therapeutics Program

People are exposed to numerous chemicals through the use of consumer products. This presents challenges for determining potential adverse human health outcomes, which cannot be done using traditional, single chemical toxicology testing. Therefore, this program aims to define approaches that can address how best to test the large number of chemicals and mixtures of chemicals in consumer products.

For therapeutics, unforeseen health effects may necessitate additional toxicity testing to address potential concerns such as those that may present with individuals exposed to HIV therapies across the lifespan or during different life stages.

Smokestacks on an orange background, surrounded by cells, an image of lungs and an image of a worker in a protective mask.

Occupational and Inhalation Exposures Program

Inhalation exposure to potentially harmful substances in both the workplace and our everyday environments can cause adverse health effects to the respiratory tract and other organ systems. Evaluating the toxicity and carcinogenicity of inhaled agents is challenging largely due to the complexities of the exposure models and systems required for testing. Nonetheless, hazard characterization is critical to creating safe living and working environments and reducing disease burden after inhalation exposure. Besides inhalation exposure, other exposure routes, such as though skin contact with substances, exist in the workplace. Additionally, the general public may face non-inhalation exposures such as from radiation.

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