History of the American College of Toxicology (ACT)

Abstract

This manuscript is one of two written to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the American College of Toxicology (ACT). This history of ACT describes its evolution from an entrepreneurial, risk taking model to a conservative business model, fully accepted in the scientific community. ACT started with a small group of scientists who were dissatisfied with the relatively narrow approach to full membership then taken by the Society of Toxicology (SOT). They were excited by new research and collaborative opportunities resulting from an enhanced public awareness of the impact of chemicals on the environment and emerging new methodologies to evaluate human risks of exposure to be chemicals and pharmaceuticals. These toxicologists, many of whom were from industry and government, rather than academia, were tired of being considered socond class citizens and envisioned more open and cross-disciplined approaches. They favored balanced input by academia, industry and government in the overall toxicologic evaluation and risk assessment process. The history of the founding and early development of ACT, as well as the College's growth and eventual acceptance into the scientific community, including its impact on the status quo during the Society's first 25 years, are told by its successive presidents.