National Toxicology Program

The NTP forms partnerships with other Federal Agencies to address common goals of investigating the effects of environmental and other agents on human health.

Cell Phones

More than 100 million Americans currently use wireless communication devices, with thousands of new users added daily. The Federal Communication Commission requires these devises to meet its guidelines for exposure to radiofrequency radiation. We currently do not have enough data to determine whether these guidelines will also protect against potential adverse effects of long-term exposure. The NTP is working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish suitable exposure systems for designing Radiofrequency Radiation Emissions from Cellular Phones toxicity studies.

Solar Radiation

The U.S. public is increasingly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight due to more leisure time spent in outdoor activities and also from other sources (e.g., tanning booths). The NTP is coordinating an effort between the NIEHS/NIH and NCTR/FDA to study the phototoxicology and photocarcinogenicity of substances nominated to the NTP, including those of high priority to the FDA.

Occupational Exposures

The NTP is coordinating an effort between the NIEHS/NIH and NIOSH/CDC to better understand worker exposures, educate workers, and identify occupational health research gaps. Current efforts are addressing worker exposure to welding fumes and 1-bromopropane.

Safe Drinking Water Program

More than 200 million Americans are estimated to use treated drinking water, so the availability of safe drinking water is of enormous importance to public health. Although chlorination is one of the major public health advances of the 20th century, by-products of chlorination or other disinfection processes (disinfection by-products, DBPs) may cause health problems. Also, some agents found naturally in water or that contaminate public water systems may pose a threat to public health.

To provide scientific data for setting sound standards for water quality, the NTP is collaborating with the EPA on a research program to assess potential risks from human exposure to DBPs.

DNA-Based Products

DNA-based therapies are being developed to treat a wide range of human diseases. However, by their very nature, they pose a risk of interacting with the host's genes or disrupting normal cellular processes in unexpected, unpredictable, and potentially harmful ways. Presently, the NTP is collaborating with the FDA and sister NIH institutes to study the safety of DNA-based products.

Endrocrine-Disrupting Agents

Endocrine disruptors are naturally occurring or man-made substances that may mimic or interfere with natural hormones in the body. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are of interest to the FDA, and through an interagency agreement, the NIEHS/NIH supports toxicology studies being conducted at the NCTR/FDA.