Protecting future generations by regulatory approaches

Abstract

The use of regulations to protect future generations is a form of risk management that continues to evolve. This article looks at three aspects of regulatory toxicology utilized in this pursuit: prenatal testing assessments, occupational exposure limits, and mandatory food fortification. Approaches to the identification of prenatal toxicants are founded in nonclinical, in vivo testing paradigms that offer the advantages of standardized study designs. New approach methods continue to be evaluated as replacements for animal studies. Greater inclusion of pregnant women in research should ultimately benefit therapeutic decisions for both mothers and infants. Development of occupational exposure limits that incorporate the physiology of pregnant workers across more varied occupations and for more chemical agents should improve workplace safety guidance. Utilizing regulatory approaches to allay nutritional deficiencies could protect future generations through birth defects prevention.