ABOUT THE HUMAN TOXOME PROJECT

Just as scientists raced to define the human genome, the Human Toxome Project (HTP) at Environmental Working Group is working to define the human toxome—the full scope of industrial pollution in humanity.

Using cutting edge biomonitoring techniques, the HTP scientists, engineers, and medical doctors test blood, urine, breast milk and other human tissues for industrial chemicals that enter the human body as pollution in food, air, and water, or from exposures to ingredients in everyday consumer products.

The HTP uses its unmatched understanding of pollution in people to foster collaboration between scientists and institutions working to uncover the links between environmental contaminants, genetics and disease. The HTP conducts research to understand the influence of exposure timing, and the synergies of mixtures that collectively manifest in the full spectrum of human disease. The Project also works to educate the public through innovative online data tools.

While encouraging efforts to understand and prevent pollution-related disease, HTP researchers also advocate for policy changes that protect the fetus and other vulnerable populations from chemical exposures that currently begin even before the moment of birth.

The Human Toxome Project is a collaboration of the Environmental Working Group (Washington DC) and Commonweal (Bolinas, CA).


Environmental Working Group Commonweal