Catalyzing real-world change through exposome research

Toxicology and neurotoxicology have contributed tremendously to furthering scientific understandings of the harmful toxicants in our natural and built environments. In tandem with rigorous scientific findings, both disciplines have intervened to directly mitigate the impact of toxic substances on individuals and societies. However, there has been a shift in priorities as the field has advanced technologically, with a focus on wide-spread, high-throughput quantification and advanced technology-based measurement development. Yet, neurotoxicology is exquisitely poised to continue its legacy of population-health improvement-bridging biological and social domains- by integrating an exposomics framework into its research archetype. The exposome encompasses the cumulative life-course exposure to physical, chemical, biological, and social influences that shape biology. The social exposome describes the way that socially constructed systems, institutions, geographic context, cultures, and socioeconomic circumstances influence biological health outcomes. These inherently holistic, human-centered frameworks allow for innovative, interdisciplinary investigations of human health. An exposomics framework provides an opportunity for multi-disciplinary, multi-partner collaborations that contextualize neurotoxicology within societies. In this commentary we demonstrate how an exposomics framework can be leveraged to catalyze real-world change, using the city of Milwaukee's lead water pipe mitigation strategy as an example. Moreover, we address the ethical responsibility that the scientific community faces in bridging cells and society to enable immense real-world change.