Neurotoxicology in regulation and risk assessment

It is well recognized that a wide variety of chemicals exert toxic effects on the structure and function of the nervous system. Regulatory agencies, charged with the protection of human health from toxicant exposures, should therefore consider neurotoxicological evaluations in the risk assessment process. Over the last decade, several expert panels have recommended testing schemes for evaluating neurobehavioral toxicity. In general, these panels have recommended behavioral measures performed in tandem with neuropathological evaluations. In keeping with these recommendations, the Environmental Protection Agency has developed seven neurotoxicity test guidelines for use in evaluating new and existing chemicals. Further refinement and extension of these test guidelines will flow from a better understanding of the cellular/molecular events which underly neurotoxicant-induced functional alterations.