EPA’s Kavlock pioneers new system to test dangerous chemicals

Ten years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency only knew whether a small fraction of the 80,000 chemicals in use were hazardous to people or the environment. That changed in 2005 after Robert Kavlock, deputy assistant administrator for science in the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, established the ToxCast Lab.

With the ToxCast Lab, EPA scientists had new tools at their disposal that allowed them to more efficiently and cost-effectively screen chemicals for potential toxic effects. It also helped to reduce the need for laboratory animal testing of chemicals.

Between 2009 and 2013, the ToxCast system was able to screen more than 2,000 chemicals at an approximate cost of $30,000 per chemical. That may seem like a lot, but before ToxCast, the EPA evaluated only about 70 chemicals at a cost of about $1 million per chemical over a 15-year period.

“Bob Kavlock has been a leader in transforming the way we assess the risk of chemical substances that are present in the human environment,” said Daniel Krewski, a professor at the University of Ottawa and an expert on chemical safety and environmental hazards. “With this new approach based on the computational methods that Bob’s group has pioneered, we now for the first time have the prospect of being able to evaluate every chemical that may pose a risk. This is a huge advance.”

For his efforts establishing the ToxCast Lab, the Partnership for Public Service recently name Kavlock as a finalist for  the 2015 Career Achievement Medal. The award recognizes a federal employee who has made significant contributions over a lifetime in public service.

Getting to know Robert Kavlock

Federal News Radio asked each of the Sammies finalists questions about themselves. Here are Kavlock’s responses:

What three words best describe your leadership philosophy?

Listen, Respect, Follow-through

What’s the best piece of advice (or words of wisdom) you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?

Take advantage of whatever life presents you with.

Who is your greatest role model and why?

No single person, but appreciate scientists with huge visions like Leroy Hood and Craig Venter

What’s the last thing you read and what’s next on your reading list?   

Reading (slowly) Ken Follet’s Century Trilogy, mostly read new media (The Washingon Post is a must in the morning, The New York Times in the evening), hoping to read Hawkins’ “A Brief History of Time” at some point.

The Career Achievement Medal is just one of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) presented annually by the Partnership for Public Service. View a photo gallery of all the Sammies nominees.

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