Hot topics in toxicology.

Toxicology is facing new challenges in addressing issues that will have an impact on developing and meeting new regulatory guidance, public health protection and research directions. Efforts are made to define the exposures to potential toxicants, assess the associated risks, and reduce the uncertainties. This discussion presents an overview of the associated regulatory mandates, how various programs are approaching the current issues and the progress made, particularly here in California and also globally. It includes children sensitivity, differences between adults and children, exposure to pesticides, health effects and exposure endpoint measurement, and assessment to chemicals found in drinking water. Furthermore, it addresses issues associated with defining occupational exposure, community exposure and health risk, public perception of hazard, and the role of diet or nutrition in the overall toxicology and health considerations.