Toxicology Branch

Paul Foster, Ph.D., Fellow, A.T.S.
Chief, Toxicology Branch
General Toxicology and Cancer Group Leader

Tel (919) 541-2513
Fax (301) 480-2999
foster2@niehs.nih.gov

P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop K2-12
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 530 Davis Dr
Keystone Building
Durham, NC 27713
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Research Summary

The Toxicology Branch— headed by Branch Chief Paul M. Foster, Ph.D.— provides the major reservoir of toxicological science expertise and Project Leaders for the in vivo testing program of the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

National Toxicology Program (NTP) Data and Reports Website

Toxicology Branch staff are responsible for the following functions:

• Design, interpretation, review, and reporting of general toxicology and carcinogenicity studies usually in rodent models as well as studies to evaluate targeted effects on the immune system, reproduction, development and interference with chromosomes and DNA for substances studied by the NTP.

• Integration of information derived from studies of absorption, metabolism, distribution and excretion of test substances within the body and the development of mathematical models that utilize this information in the extrapolation and prediction of findings across different species and exposure conditions. Branch staff also analyzes and develops models using information derived from studies of gene expression in different tissues as well as the reporting of all these specialized toxicology studies.
• Development of new methodologies for toxicological assessments.
• Guidance on the proper utilization of new types of toxicology information in hazard identification, hazard characterization and regulatory decision-making.

To facilitate these activities, the Toxicology Branch is organized into three workgroups:

• Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Group
• General Toxicology and Cancer Group
• Systems Toxicology Group

These groups work with a variety of NTP staff to accomplish program goals.

The current portfolio of activities ranges from evaluations of the potential health impact of cell phone radiation, medicinal herbs, environmental substances that can mimic or interfere with endogenous hormones, occupational exposures, and gene therapies, to the study of mold and novel substances such as nanoscale materials.

The NTP invites interested members of the public and groups to nominate substances for possible testing. All nominations go through a formal review and selection process , which includes opportunity for public input, and studies are initiated as time and resources permit.

Scientific Support Staff

Bonnie Allen
Administrative Specialist

Tel (919) 541-3449
Fax (919) 541-4255
allenb@niehs.nih.gov

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