National Toxicology Program

As a result of the public's increasing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and other sources (e.g., tanning booths), the NTP has initiated research to learn what toxic effects, if any, might occur from such exposures. 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. In general, these studies investigate the effects on gene expression, toxicity, and carcinogenicity of sunlight combined with either topically or systemically applied substances in the SKH-1 hairless mouse. Much of this research is being carried out at the NTP Center for Phototoxicology.