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Chemical Mixtures Program


About the Chemical Mixtures Program

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has been mandated to determine the health impact of exposure to combinations of chemicals. Exposure to two or more chemicals occurs at numerous hazardous waste sites (HWS), sometimes by way of more than one exposure route. Meanwhile, the majority of current toxicological research focuses on the health effects of exposure to a single substance.

In order to fulfill its mandate, ATSDR is engaged in a multi-faceted course of investigation into the human health effects of chemical mixtures, including: (1) identification of the mixtures of highest concern to public health, (2) estimation of the joint toxic action of these chemicals through assessment and laboratory methods, and (3) development of new methodologies for evaluating the health effects of mixtures.

Program Assessment Objectives

Program Research Objectives

Recent Actions of the Mixtures Program

The Tom's River New Jersey Site - An example of the important use of information on chemical mixtures.

In 1996 the Agency prepared two consultations:

In 1997, the Agency conducted:

In 1997, the Agency prepared a consultation:

Chemical Mixtures Conference

In September 2002 there was an International Conference on Chemical Mixtures (ICCM) held in Atlanta, Georgia. ATSDR was a co-sponsor.

Where can I get more information?

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1- 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348  
FAX: 770-488-4178
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
This page was updated on 09/11/2007