• Arab Toxicologists Association
    Special Interest Group

President’s Message

PROUD TO LEAD

Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Members of the Arab Toxicologists Association (ATA),

It is with great pleasure and honor that I serve as the President of the Arab Toxicologists Association (ATA). As a Special Interest Group within the Society of Toxicology (SOT), the ATA serves all those interested in toxicology from around the globe, with a particular focus on the Arab regions.

Our association stands as a beacon of scientific excellence and collaboration in the field of toxicology. We are dedicated to advancing our understanding of toxicology, fostering innovation, and promoting the highest standards of practice and research. Through our collective efforts, we can make significant strides in various areas of toxicology, contributing to the health and safety of communities in the Arab world and globally.

I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Society of Toxicology (SOT) for their unwavering support and partnership. Their resources, network, and guidance have been instrumental in our success and growth of our association.

Looking to the future, we are dedicated to opening new horizons for upcoming graduates and scientists. The ATA is committed to empowering the next generation of toxicologists through mentorship, training, and opportunities for professional development. We believe in the importance of nurturing young talent and equipping them with the tools they need to excel in their careers.

Additionally, we are devoted to the education and empowerment of communities. By raising awareness about toxicology and its impact on public health, we aim to make a positive difference in people's lives. Our outreach initiatives strive to inform and educate, ensuring that communities are better equipped to understand and manage the risks associated with toxic substances.

As we move forward, I encourage each of you to continue engaging with the ATA, participating in our initiatives, and sharing your knowledge and experiences. Together, we can push the boundaries of what is possible in toxicology and make a lasting impact on our field.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the Arab Toxicologists Association. I look forward to our continued journey of growth and discovery.


Warm regards,
Dr. Maha Almazroua
President 2024–2025
Arab Toxicologists Association (ATA)

Featured Members

Dr. Mohamed Ghorab

Dr. Mohamed Ghorab, has been named to the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) 40 Under 40 Recognition Program Award. This recognition was awarded to Dr. Ghorab in appreciation of his dedication to notable achievements in environmental science and engineering. He shares this honor with 22 colleagues, selected by a panel of previous award winners based on both professional accomplishments and civic/philanthropy efforts. Dr. Ghorab exemplifies the commitment to research and scientific excellence through his work on chemical safety, pollution prevention, risk assessment, and environmental health. Congratulations to Dr. Ghorab on being chosen for the 40 Under 40 Recognition Program's first class, embodying core values of leadership, innovation, and excellence.

Dr. Ghorab has been selected as Co-Chair for the National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Prospectives (EHP), Early and mid-career Career Researchers (ECR) for 2024-2025.

Publication: “Use of the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) Approach as an Alternative Tool for Regulatory Purposes: A Case Study with an Inert Ingredient Used in Pesticide Products.” View Paper

Summary:
This study marks a significant milestone as the first paper to apply the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach specifically to inert ingredients in pesticide formulations. We explored the use of the TTC approach as a New Approach Methodology (NAM), aligning with supporting the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA) mission to advance innovative methodologies in chemical safety evaluation efforts to reduce animal testing while ensuring human health protection. It also aligns with global initiatives to minimize animal testing and adopt more ethical, science-based methods while advancing innovative methodologies in chemical safety evaluations.

Our case study, focusing on α-terpineol, an inert ingredient in pesticide products, illustrates how the TTC approach can effectively replace traditional animal testing without compromising human health safety.

Publication: Shaohua Chen and Changqing Chang Shao-Fang Chen, Wen-Juan Chen, Haoran Song, Mingqiu Liu, Sandhya Mishra, Mohamed A. Ghorab (2024) “Microorganism-Driven 2,4-D Biodegradation: Current Status and Emerging Opportunities.” View Paper

Summary:
The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) has been widely used around the world in both agricultural and non-agricultural fields due to its high activity. However, the heavy use of 2,4-D has resulted in serious environmental contamination, posing a significant risk to non-target organisms, including human beings. This has raised substantial concerns regarding its impact. In addition to agricultural use, accidental spills of 2,4-D can pose serious threats to human health and the ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of prompt pollution remediation. Effectively replace traditional animal testing without compromising human health safety.