Ames, IA -- ENTOX, founded by prominent toxicologist Joel Robert Coats, Ph.D., is proud to announce its commitment to providing expert toxicology consulting, with a focus on advancing safe and sustainable solutions for agriculture and beyond. ENTOX is at the forefront of bridging the critical intersection of biology, chemistry, and toxicology.

With over four decades of experience as Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, Dr. Coats has established himself as a leading figure in toxicology, specializing in pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, including repellents. His journey began on a farm, fostering an early understanding of insects, plants, and agricultural practices. This foundation led him to a bachelor’s degree in zoology (chemistry minor) from Arizona State University, and later, a master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he delved into the design and synthesis of biodegradable insecticides. Dr. Coats holds two patents in this domain, reflecting his pioneering work in biodegradable versions of DDT.

Throughout his career, Dr. Coats has held significant roles, including a visiting professorship at the University of Guelph, as well as a long tenure at Iowa State University, where he taught and conducted groundbreaking pesticide toxicology research for 43 years. His work at Iowa State focuses on insect toxicology and risk assessment of pesticides, contributing invaluable insights into the safety and efficacy of these chemicals.

“Understanding and managing the risks associated with pesticides is complex, but crucial for ensuring the safety of both humans and ecosystems,” explains Dr. Coats. He emphasizes the diversity among pesticides, underscoring that while some are highly safe and degradable, others pose significant risks. His work includes rigorous risk assessments with regulatory bodies such as the EPA, ensuring the safe application of these chemicals.

Dr. Coats also leads innovative research in the area of natural products as alternative insecticides and repellents. He holds 24 patents for natural repellents, insecticides, herbicides, and nematicides, exploring the vast potential of plant chemistry for pest management. His efforts in this field highlight the importance of discovering and harnessing natural compounds, often unexplored for their pesticidal properties, for a more sustainable approach to pest management.

Training the next generation of agricultural toxicologists has been a cornerstone of Dr. Coats’ career; he has mentored 52 graduate students, who continue to contribute to the field. His publication record includes 15 books. The upcoming 16th book will be titled “Green Chemistry for Pest Management,” exemplifying Dr. Coats’ dedication to promoting environmentally-friendly pest control solutions.

ENTOX engages in two primary areas through its consulting services. For natural product companies, the focus is on development, design, and relative efficacy analysis. Simultaneously, ENTOX leverages its expertise in litigation consulting, serving as a technical expert addressing cases involving conventional pesticides, covering insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and cases of alleged chemical exposure.

“Natural and natural-like pesticides are pivotal to moving forward,” explains Dr. Coats, highlighting the shift in the agrochemical industry toward more sustainable and safer products. This aligns with the broader market trend towards organic and natural solutions, although the challenge of cost remains a significant hurdle for large-scale adoption.

Dr. Coats is an active advocate for precision agriculture, leveraging AI and modern technology to optimize pesticide use while minimizing environmental impact. These advancements promise a future where pesticide application is guided by real-time data, ensuring only necessary quantities are used while precisely targeting affected areas.

Looking to the future, Dr. Coats envisions further breakthroughs in genetic technology as keys to sustainable pest management, such as gene editing in plants to naturally repel, deter, or kill pests. His vision for the next decades includes integrating novel approaches at the genetic level to create a safer agricultural landscape.

ENTOX remains a leader in toxicology consulting, driven by Dr. Coats’ passion for understanding and mitigating the risks associated with chemical use in agriculture. His pioneering work continues to influence the development of safer and more sustainable solutions, ensuring responsible stewardship of our natural resources.

About ENTOX, Inc.

ENTOX, founded by Joel Robert Coats, Ph.D., is a leading toxicology consultant firm dedicated to advancing safe and effective solutions for pest management. With a strong focus on natural products and rigorous scientific research, ENTOX offers expert consultation to industries and organizations, ensuring safe chemical usage and developing innovative pest control strategies.

For more information on Joel Robert Coats, Ph.D. and ENTOX, visit https://www.entox.com/ and https://www.ppem.iastate.edu/people/joel-coats