The Division of the National Toxicology Program’s (DNTP) Exposure-based Research Programs aim to solve contemporary public health problems related to environmental exposures. The intent is to develop and apply novel tools and approaches to better predict potential harm to human health from environmental exposures we encounter at home, at work, and at play. The following programs make up this strategic area of focus.
Combined Exposures and Mixtures
Humans are continuously exposed to mixtures of chemicals. Challenges continue in characterizing exposure to mixtures, evaluating their toxicity and hazard, and assessing associated risk. Limitations in understanding have led to inconsistent use of available methods to assess mixtures and uncertainties in their application. The lack of harmonized terminology or methods' comparisons complicate the synthesis of information across disciplines and impede the use of mixtures data in decision-making.
Consumer Products and Therapeutics
People are exposed to a large number of chemicals through using consumer products or therapeutics. This presents challenges for determining possible harmful human health outcomes that are unlikely to be met using the traditional, one-at-a-time testing regimen. No defined approaches are available that are sufficiently flexible or validated to address the many different chemical groups in consumer products. Similarly, rapid assessment approaches for testing therapeutic toxicity that may arise when drugs are approved are not routinely available for treatments of a given disease or condition.
Occupational and Inhalation Exposure
Inhalation exposure to potentially harmful substances in both the workplace and our everyday environments can cause adverse health effects to the respiratory tract and other organ systems. Evaluating the toxicity and carcinogenicity of inhaled agents is challenging largely due to the complexities of the exposure models and systems required for testing. Nonetheless, hazard characterization is critical to creating safe living and working environments and reducing disease burden after inhalation exposure. Besides inhalation exposure, other exposure routes, such as though skin contact with substances, exist in the workplace. Additionally, the general public may face non-inhalation exposures such as from radiation.
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