Laurence S. Baskin, Reappointed to the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee

Submitted by UCSF Urology on November 6, 2014 at 11:12 am
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Laurence S. Baskin, MD, Professor and Chief, Pediatric Urology, has been reappointed by Governor Brown to the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee, (DART) where he has served since 2012.

 The Committee was born out of Prop 65 to support the identification of, and possible restrictions on substances “known to cause developmental toxicity.” 

According to their website:

  • The Expert Committee recommends the use of criteria that emphasize human relevancy, biological plausibility, and evidence in support of a selective, adverse developmental effect at non-maternally-toxic doses.
  • If warranted, the Committee urges that substances be recommended for further testing and that high priority be given to conducting the necessary tests.
  • The Expert Committee reiterates its concern that substances listed by the SAP be identified according to the toxic endpoints (cancer, male reproductive toxicity, female reproductive toxicity, and/or developmental toxicity) that led to listing.
  • The Expert Committee recommends that the state Health and Welfare Agency institute education programs emphasizing appropriate courses of action for citizens informed of exposures to substances known to the state to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive toxicity.

Explains Dr. Baskin, "My motivation for participating on the DART commission is to protect the citizens of California from toxic chemicals and ensure a safe environment for future generations "