ToxMystery Fact Sheet

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ToxMystery (http://toxmystery.nlm.nih.gov) and (http://toxmystery.nlm.nih.gov/espanol.html) is the National Library of Medicine's interactive learning site helping children age 7 to 10 find clues about toxic substances that can lurk in the home. With lively animations, surprising sound effects and lots of positive reinforcement, ToxMystery provides a fun, game-like experience, while teaching important lessons about potential environmental health hazards.

ToxMystery is available in both English and Spanish, letting players toggle between the two languages as they explore. ToxMystery can be used in science, health, and even in Spanish and English language classes.

Children visiting ToxMystery have an able guide in "Toxie" the cat, who helps find the hazards hidden in each room and offers hints when needed. The objective is to find all the hazards-- in the living room, bathroom, garage and other areas. Ever seen a cat...dance? Players will be treated to that spectacle and more when they identify all the hazards in a room. When all the risky spots in the house have been discovered, Toxie delivers an animated celebration, and players can print a personalized certificate of completion.

ToxMystery's "Parent Resources" or "Para los padres" pages provide more detailed information about everyday environmental hazards that can be harmful to one's health. The "For Teachers" or "Para maestros" pages contain more than ten downloadable activity pages and an illustrated glossary of the words used in ToxMystery that can be used in elementary school classrooms.

ToxMystery was created by NLM's Specialized Information Services Division, which is responsible for information resources and services in toxicology, environmental health, chemistry, HIV/AIDS, and minority health.

Another NLM interactive resource geared towards the general public is Tox Town (http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov) an interactive guide to commonly encountered toxic substances, your health, and the environment. Tox Town helps users explore a Port, Town, City, Farm, or US-Mexico Border community to identify common environmental hazards.

Further Information

For detailed information about ToxMystery, contact:

Specialized Information Services
National Library of Medicine
Two Democracy Plaza, Suite 510
6707 Democracy Boulevard, MSC 5467
Bethesda, MD 20892-5467
Telephone: (301) 496-1131
e-mail: tehip@teh.nlm.nih.gov
URL: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov

For general information on the Library's computerized information services, including ToxMystery, contact:

National Library of Medicine
Customer Service
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20894
Telephone: 1-888-FINDNLM (1-888-346-3656)
e-mail: custserv@nlm.nih.gov

A complete list of NLM Fact Sheets is available at:
(alphabetical list) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/factsheets.html
(subject list): http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/factsubj.html

Or write to:

FACT SHEETS
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Library of Medicine
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20894

Phone: (301) 496-6308
Fax: (301) 496-4450
email: publicinfo@nlm.nih.gov

Last reviewed: 10 November 2008
Last updated: 10 November 2008
First published: 17 July 2007
Metadata| Permanence level: Permanent: Stable Content