Published
3 New Databases Have Info on 1,000s of Chemicals
Searchable databases on chemical toxicity and exposure data now available
![](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/uploadedFiles/moleculePC2.jpg;maxWidth=600)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making it easier to find data about chemicals by releasing two databases — the Toxicity Forecaster database (ToxCastDB) and a database of chemical exposure studies (ExpoCastDB) — that platers and finisherts can use to access chemical toxicity and exposure data.
ToxCastDB: http://actor.epa.gov/actor/faces/ToxCastDB/Home.jsp
ExpoCastDB: http://actor.epa.gov/actor/faces/ExpoCastDB/Home.jsp
ACToR: http://actor.epa.gov
ToxCastDB users can search and download data from over 500 rapid chemical tests conducted on more than 300 environmental chemicals. ToxCast uses advanced scientific tools to predict the potential toxicity of chemicals and to provide a cost-effective approach to prioritizing which chemicals of the thousands in use require further testing. ToxCast is currently screening 700 additional chemicals, and the data will be available in 2012.
ExpoCastDB consolidates human exposure data from studies that have collected chemical measurements from homes and child care centers. Data include the amounts of chemicals found in food, drinking water, air, dust, indoor surfaces and urine. ExpoCastDB users can obtain summary statistics of exposure data and download datasets. EPA will continue to add internal and external chemical exposure data and advanced user interface features to ExpoCastDB.
The new databases link together two important pieces of chemical research — exposure and toxicity data — both of which are required when considering potential risks posed by chemicals. The databases are connected through EPA’s Aggregated Computational Toxicology Resource (ACToR), an online data warehouse that collects data on over 500,000 chemicals from over 500 public sources.
Users can now access 30 years worth of animal chemical toxicity studies that were previously only found in paper documents, data from rapid chemical testing, and various chemical exposure measurements through one online resource. The ability to link and compare these different types of data better informs EPA’s decisions about chemical safety.
Related Content
-
Conveyors and Paint Systems
Choosing the right conveyor system, coating technology, and ancillary equipment.
-
Trends in Industrial Coatings
The benefits of new technologies in the industrial coatings market.
-
The Real Cost: C-Hooks Versus Parts Racks
Industrial finishing line consultant Dan Davitz discusses the advantages of parts rack over the use of C-hooks for your paint or powder coating line.