National Toxicology Program

The NTP evaluates substances for a variety of health-related effects, generally using rodent models for study and protocols specifically designed to fully characterize the toxic potential.

For each agent studied, a project leader designs a comprehensive testing strategy to address the identified research and testing needs. A project review committee evaluates the testing strategy and proposes an appropriate mechanism for performing the study (grant, contract, etc.).

The NTP publishes results of short-term rodent toxicology studies in the NTP Toxicity Report series, and results of longer-term studies, generally two-year rodent toxicology and carcinogenesis studies, as NTP Technical Reports or in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The Technical Reports Review Subcommittee of the Board formally reviews these reports in open public meetings. Studies designed to evaluate specific effects on biological systems are published in the open literature.

Humane Use of Animals

The NTP has specific requirements for the testing laboratories to comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966 and adhere to the principles enunciated in the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" NRC, 1996.