Tox Town: An Internet Introduction to Environmental Health and Toxic Chemicals

Cynthia B. Love
Martha Szczur
National Library of Medicine
HHS/National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD

Mary W. Higgins
Activ8 Designs
Alexandria, VA

Erinn F. Aspinall
Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM

Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM

Citation: Love, Cynthia B., Martha Szczur, Mary W. Higgins and Erinn F. Aspinall (2005). "Tox Town: An Internet Introduction to Environmental Health and Toxic Chemicals." Children, Youth and Environments 15 (1): 307-317. Retrieved [date] from http://www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/

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Abstract

Can a web site present environmental health information to the general public in a fun and compelling manner? This was the goal of the National Library of Medicine's Specialized Information Services when it designed Tox Town (http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/). By its nature, chemical data is complex and not often perceived by the general public as relevant to their daily lives. However, many common hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead, radon) can have profound health effects if encountered in the everyday environment. Enhanced with lively graphics, sound effects, and animation, Tox Town adds interest to learning about connections between chemicals, the environment, and the public's health. This field reports describes the features of Tox Town and discusses how it is being used by educators, students, and the general public.

Keywords: environmental education, toxic chemicals, educational Websites