Toxicological Assessments. Sciences conducts chemical-specific reviews of animal and human toxicity data to assess the relationships between chemical exposures and toxic outcomes. In addition to toxicity data (hazard assessment), these reviews incorporate data on chemical and physical properties, toxicokinetics and metabolism in order to better understand dose-response relationships and modes of action. Sciences utilizes benchmark dose modeling (BMD) and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK) to provide quantitative dose-response assessments. This information is used to estimate safe exposure levels that do not result in toxicity to human populations. Examples of Sciences’ involvement in toxicological assessments include EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) and WHO’s International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). Sciences has authored many Toxicological Reviews for IRIS, Health Effects Support Documents for EPA’s Office of Water, and Concise International Chemical Assessment Documents for WHO/IPCS.

Drinking Water Treatment Systems. For Underwriters Laboratories and Water Quality Association certifications, Sciences conducts risk assessments for chemicals found in drinking water due to contact with drinking water system components and treatment units. These risk assessments are performed in accordance with National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards. Since many chemicals in drinking water are not well studied for their toxicology, Sciences utilizes chemical structure activity relationships (SAR) to make inferences about the potential hazard of a chemical. In addition to risk assessments, Sciences performs formulation reviews for materials that contact drinking water. Working with Underwriters Laboratories and the Water Quality Association, Sciences has reviewed hundreds of material formulations and provided test batteries for the evaluation of their safety.