Toxicology

What separates C&IH's toxicology services from other consulting firms?

Bioavailability determination conducted by PhD level, board-certified toxicologists (DABT)
Extensive training and unique experience in assessing toxicological impacts in the workplace, the environment, and the home
Established relationships with occupational health physicians to complement our in-house staff

Identifying and understanding the "mechanism of toxicity" is critical for proper management and evaluation of exposures in the workplace and environment. At C&IH, we recognize the essential link between toxicology and exposure assessment. Our knowledge and experience in both toxicology and industrial hygiene allow C&IH to address the fundamental thesis of toxicology: i.e., that the determination of whether an agent is toxic, harmless, or even beneficial depends on both the toxicity and the dose. Our scientists understand the toxicology of different agents and how health impacts can vary depending on whether the agent is inhaled, ingested, absorbed, or injected. By prioritizing the route(s) with the greater toxicological impact, our professional staff can identify and quantify potential toxicological impacts while helping our clients effectively and efficiently protect workers and the environment.

Toxicologists and Team of Scientists

The C&IH toxicological team includes professionals with advanced education and significant experience in toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology. Our staff includes BS, MS, and PhD level scientists including board-certified toxicologists (DABT) and certified industrial hygienists (CIHs). C&IH has demonstrated competency in the toxicology of workplace exposures to chemicals and agents, allowing us to evaluate the toxicity of a material and provide solutions that ensure regulatory compliance, protect workers and the environment, and facilitate employee health and morale for both real and perceived toxicological risks. C&IH has the appropriate resources for a variety of toxicological consulting needs, from addressing specific health effects experienced by an employee, to development of a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for your product, or simply providing guidance on material handling and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Examples of Toxicological Assessment Activities

Prospective, contemporaneous, or retrospective toxicological assessments for occupational and other exposures in comparison with literature-based information
Evaluation of biological exposure markers through review of medical records or coordinated testing and analysis for tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in blood lipids, radiological and/or pathological evidence of lung fibrosis associated with particulate inhalation, lung tissue or residual fiber analysis for asbestos, carboxyhemoglobin levels for carbon monoxide exposure, nerve conduction test interpretation for solvent exposure, etc.
Evaluation of chemical and biological agents that target the immune system including allergens, antigenic agents, or immunosuppressive agents that impact either the resistance to, or the severity of, certain disease conditions
Analysis of medical and animal research, including in-vivo and in-vitro studies in toxicological literature to correctly characterize an agent for acute, chronic, and carcinogenic effects
Toxicological profiles in support of quantitative human health risk assessments for inhalation, dermal, and ingestion exposures in the workplace and/or environment
Bioavailability and biopotency assessments of potential toxins
Toxicological summaries in support of process and product hazard communication evaluation (e.g., MSDS, product warnings, labeling, etc.)
Evaluation and control of biologically transmitted toxic agents in healthcare, commercial, and residential settings for patient/occupant and service provider protection