The Toxicology Education Foundation (TEF) is a non-profit entity dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of chemical hazards. Almost everyone is at risk of exposure to toxins in their daily life, even if their job has nothing to do with chemicals. The TEF’s core mission is to educate the consuming public about these potential risks, including those from food ingredients, pesticides, air contaminants and prescription medication. The organization offers free access to toxicology information on their website and sponsors various outreach projects to further their mission.
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Founding and History
The organization was originally formed under the Society of Toxicology (SOT) as an independent foundation under the leadership of the parent organization. In 2002, the TEF was officially separated from the SOT to become an independent charity. The TEF’s primary purpose is to inform the public about the fundamental principles of chemical hazards to reduce overall rates of injury and illness due to toxic exposure. They pursue active education projects as well as provide an information hub to help people learn about risks they may face on a daily basis.
Organizational Structure and Governance
The TEF is a non-profit charity founded under Section 501(c)(3), which confers tax-exempt status. The organization is governed by a board of trustees, including an office of president, vice president, treasurer and various committee members. Governing officials are chosen from members of the toxicology field as well as leaders in the public and private sectors, according to the Toxicology Education Foundation. While the organization was originally based in the United States, it has since grown to an international scale and now has members from countries throughout Europe, Asi, and South America.
Projects and Events
The foundation periodically hosts free live events in major urban areas, including the 2018 San Antonio Toxathon and the 2015 Pick Your Poison event in San Diego. These events typically revolve around a specific theme, like water quality or chemical handling. The organization also delivers presentations at major toxicology events and conferences around the world. Graduate students studying toxicology should also investigate the TEF’s travel awards program, which can help them pay for some of the expenses related to attending toxicology meetings or conferences.
Public Access for Toxicology Information
In addition to its ongoing and active educational projects, the TEF also provides a vast collection of quality information resources for free. The organization’s website is optimized with a user-friendly design, so even people without technical knowledge of toxicology can benefit from it. The resources are also made available to health care providers, journalists, and researchers who need a reliable source for related material. The TEF also posts informational videos on their official YouTube channel and other social media sites.
Dangerous chemicals are a more common hazard than many people think. Potentially toxic substances are used as ingredients and in manufacturing processes for thousands of different products. While it may be impossible to completely avoid exposure to these substances, the Toxicology Education Foundation seeks to limit the number of toxic exposures to enhance overall public health and safety.
