Gradient Scientists Author Chapter for Prominent Toxicology Textbook

August 22, 2023

Barbara D. Beck and Robyn L. Prueitt authored the chapter “Use of Toxicology in the Regulatory Process” for the seventh edition of Hayes’ Principles and Methods of Toxicology, a benchmark reference in the toxicology field.

Gradient Principal Dr. Barbara D. Beck and Principal Scientist Dr. Robyn L. Prueitt, both with extensive expertise in toxicology and human health risk assessment, along with Dr. Edward J. Calabrese of the University of Massachusetts, authored a chapter for the seventh and latest edition of Hayes’ Principles and Methods of Toxicology, a well-respected and popular textbook and resource used by graduate students, educators, and professionals. Hayes’ Principles and Methods of Toxicology offers detailed coverage of the manifold aspects of fundamental and applied toxicology since its first edition was published in 1982.

The chapter, “Use of Toxicology in the Regulatory Process,” provides a comprehensive look at the concepts, methodologies, and advancements in the use of toxicology to regulate exposure to potentially harmful substances for the protection of public health. This chapter focuses primarily on regulatory toxicology approaches at the federal level in the United States, with an additional discussion on regulatory frameworks at the state and international level. These approaches include programs to regulate chemicals in the environment and laws related to exposures to toxic substances. Concepts described in the chapter include:

• Development of regulatory toxicology over time.
• The risk assessment process and how it relates to the implementation of actions by regulatory agencies to reduce risks from chemical exposures.
• Types of toxicology information used in the regulatory process, as well as their advantages, disadvantages, and uncertainties.
• Regulation of carcinogenic substances, including how chemicals are evaluated for carcinogenicity; cancer classification schemes; how cancer risks are estimated; threshold vs. non-threshold mechanisms of carcinogenesis; and recent developments in the evaluation of chemical carcinogens.
• Steps involved in the setting of acceptable exposure limits for non-carcinogenic substances.
• Use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models in the development of regulatory standards.
• Consideration of population groups that are highly susceptible to the effects of toxic substances in the setting of regulatory standards.
• Approaches used by regulatory agencies to assess the potential health effects from exposures to chemical mixtures.

Join us in thanking Drs. Beck and Prueitt for their contribution to the field of toxicology. For more information about Hayes’ Principles and Methods of Toxicology and the chapter authored by Drs. Beck and Prueitt, click here.

Contact: 

Barbara D. Beck, Ph.D., DABT, ATS, AAAS Fellow
Principal
bbeck@gradientcorp.com

Robyn L. Prueitt, Ph.D., DABT
Principal Scientist
rprueitt@gradientcorp.com