What is RTECS?

RTECS is a compendium of data extracted from the open scientific literature. The data are recorded in the format developed by the RTECS staff and arranged in alphabetical order by prime chemical name. Six types of toxicity data are included in the file: (1) primary irritation; (2) mutagenic effects; (3) reproductive effects; (4) tumorigenic effects; (5) acute toxicity; and (6) other multiple dose toxicity. Specific numeric toxicity values such as LD50, LC50, TDLo, and TCLo are noted as well as species studied and route of administration used. For each citation, the bibliographic source is listed thereby enabling the user to access the actual studies cited. No attempt has been made to evaluate the studies cited in RTECS. The user has the responsibility of making such assessments.

Licensing Agreement Signed for RTECS

On December 18, 2001 , CDC's Technology Transfer Office, on behalf of NIOSH, successfully completed negotiating a "PHS Trademark Licensing Agreement" for RTECS. This non-exclusive licensing agreement provides for the transfer and continued development of the "RTECS Database and its Trademark" to MDL Information Systems, Inc. ("MDL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Elsevier Science, Inc. Under this agreement, MDL will be responsible for updating, licensing, and marketing and distributing RTECS.