The Division of the National Toxicology Program’s (DNTP) Health Effects Innovation Programs aim to develop disease-focused environmental toxicology. The intent is to apply novel tools in an integrated fashion and provide an evidence-based approach that allows us to identify and understand potential environmental contributors to contemporary and common diseases. The following programs make up this strategic area of focus.
Carcinogenicity Health Effects Innovation
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death, and eliminating preventable cancers related to environmental exposures would have significant benefits to public health. Existing approaches for cancer hazard assessment rely extensively on data from whole animal tests that take years to complete and cost millions of dollars. To better protect public health, a scientifically robust framework is needed to characterize the carcinogenic risk posed by environmental exposures in a more human-relevant, predictive, and efficient manner.
Cardiovascular Health Effects Innovation
Chronic progressive cardiovascular disease is a primary cause of both disease and death in the U.S. and globally. Current approaches to environmental hazard assessment do not include specific tests of cardiovascular bioactivity and hazards despite growing evidence that environmental exposures contribute to the onset, risk, or progression of chronic cardiovascular disease. A defined approach is needed to illuminate how environmental substances may be contributing to contemporary and common cardiovascular diseases.
Developmental Neurotoxicity Health Effects Innovation
A global concern exists that neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other learning disabilities are rising in populations worldwide, and that environmental exposures may be contributing factors. Current methods to evaluate environmental compounds with unknown developmental neurotoxicity potential are ineffective due to the complexity of neurodevelopment. An integrated testing strategy for developmental neurotoxicity that incorporates novel and innovative methods could better inform public health decisions on developmental neurotoxicity hazards.
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