title: The chemical frontier.
abstract: The evolution of toxicology research in the Air Force is reviewed and highlighted by a chronological account of major milestones. The need for realistic evaluation of toxic hazards in the aerospace environment and the interdisciplinary approach taken to accomplish this multifaceted program is discussed, together with the specific driving requirements. Because of the large number of chemicals studied in the past 30 years, only illustrative examples of specific studies are given to develop a representative cross-section of research activities. A brief overview of the development and special characteristics of the facilities and instrumentation is also presented. Because of the unique capabilities for inhalation exposure experiments which represent a national asset, cooperative research program accomplishments with participating sister services, other government agencies, and academic institutions are also described.
mesh_terms: D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000266:history; D013026:Space Flight / Q000266:history*; D014116:Toxicology / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States