Dr. H. Edward Murray, Ph.D., Director

The 24-hour number is (770)-488-7100

About the Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine

The Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine (DTEM) performs an integral function in meeting the ATSDR mandates by participating in policy development for environmental health-related issues and in supporting scientific and technical projects within ATSDR, as well as in other federal agencies. The primary goal of DTEM is to serve as a resource for information and assistance regarding toxic substances in the environment. This is accomplished by developing and implementing comprehensive environmental and toxicology programs encompassing the following standards:

• Credible science, as evidenced by strategically targeted research and scholarship.
• Critical assessment of current knowledge and emerging science relevant to hazardous wastes.
• Public service by developing innovative tools and strategies oriented to meet client needs.

Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine Responsibilities

• Develops and applies innovative research methods to expand knowledge of the relationship between exposure to hazardous substances and adverse human health effects.
• Coordinates all activities associated with toxicological profiles including associated research;
• Develops and applies science-based health education tools, methods and strategies to deliver messages, education and training.
• Develops educational materials in support of environmental medicine.
• Provides expertise and service to site-specific activities across ATSDR, including chemical-specific consultations, as needed.
• Provides technical expertise and site-specific support in addressing the health issues presented by emergency or acute release events and threatened releases of hazardous materials.
• Coordinates agency toxicology and environmental medicine activities with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Toxicology Program (NTP), and other appropriate Federal, State, local, or public programs
• Establishes minimal risk levels (MRLs) for hazardous substances. An MRL is a scientific estimate of the daily human exposure to a hazardous substance that is likely to be without appreciable risk of adverse non-cancerous health effects over a specified duration of exposure
• Provides substance-specific consultations (toxicological expertise) to state and federal agencies as well as to the general public;
• Develops and applies a program of computational toxicology research to enhance traditional approaches

Top of Page