10 Steps to making an ATSDR ToxProfile

What are ToxProfiles?

• ToxProfiles give information on how hazardous (poisonous) substances may affect health.
• Each ToxProfile includes a Public Health Statement, a summary chapter that outlines the ToxProfile's information on hazardous substances and its potential health effects. A shorter, more reader-friendly version of the profile, known as a ToxFAQs, is also available.
• Many toxicologists (scientists who study harmful chemicals) rely on ToxProfiles to do their work.

Steps to make a Toxprofile

1. Prioritize toxic substances

We develop the Substance Priority List (SPL) which lists chemicals found at hazardous waste sites on the National Priorities List (NPL).

• Hazardous waste sites are properties where toxic (harmful) substances have been left behind.
• The NPL is a list of important hazardous waste sites that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is cleaning up.

The substances on the SPL are prioritized based on:

• How toxic they are
• How often they have been found at NPL sites
• How likely people have been exposed

2. Select ToxProfiles

We select ToxProfiles based on:

• The SPL
• New scientific research
• If individuals, organizations, or agencies have requested a ToxProfile

Anyone can suggest a ToxProfile

Every year, we request nominations for profiles. Members of the public, government agencies, or private organizations can tell us which chemicals they are worried about.

3. Conduct a comprehensive literature review

We gather and review all the published scientific research available to form a complete picture of each substance. Then, we create a draft ToxProfile.

4. Develop Health Guidance Values (HGVs)

Our scientists review the draft ToxProfile and decide on Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) for that substance.

• MRLs estimate how much of a certain kind of exposure (contact) to a hazardous substance will likely not make people sick (like by breathing toxic fumes or drinking contaminated water).
• MRLs can help public health professionals know who's at risk of getting sick in a certain location.

5. Perform comprehensive internal and external review of the profile

• Other government agencies (inter-agency review)
• Experts within CDC/ATSDR

6. Conduct independent peer review

• Non-government independent experts review the profile.
• Profiles are revised (as needed) based on peer review comments.
• Peer review comments are posted on the web.

7. We post a draft of the ToxProfile and invite comment on it at www.regulations.gov

• The public comment period is 90 days.
• We announce the release of the draft for public comment profile via Federal Register announcement and on our website.

8. Review and respond to public comments

• We summarize all comments and concerns received during the public comment period and revise the profile as needed.
• Comments are available for viewing on regulations.gov.
• Our response to public comments is available from the public docket.

9. Complete additional intra-agency review, peer review, and clearance

10. After final review and agency clearance, we post the final ToxProfile online

• We announce on our website that a new ToxProfile is available.
• We let people know about it via a Federal Register Notice.
• All the profiles are free for the public to access and use at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxicological-profiles/about/index.html.

Did you know?

• Over the past 20 years, ATSDR has developed more than 300 ToxProfiles.
• ToxProfiles are recognized nationally and internationally as credible sources of information for public health professionals.
• We review high-priority ToxProfiles each year, as well as new substances, and choose several to update or create.