According to the ATSDR Web Site, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) produces “Toxicological Profiles” for hazardous substances found at hazardous waste sites, known as National Priorities List (NPL) sites. The hazardous substances are ranked based on frequency of occurrence at NPL sites, toxicity, and potential for human exposure. Toxicological profiles are developed from a priority list of 275 substances. ATSDR also prepares Toxicological Profiles for the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) on substances related to federal sites.

Toxicological Profiles contain excellent reviews of what is known about the toxic effects of chemical exposures, either via inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact.  From time to time the Toxicological Profiles are updated based on the most recent toxicological studies and data.  Five of these profiles have recently been updated.  These are:

1-bromopropane,

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide),

glutaraldehyde,

nitrate and nitrite, and

toluene.

If you have an interest in any of these chemicals, visit the ATSDR Toxicological Profile Web Site: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp#background.  If you have any questions, please contact me.