Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.065
Title (Primary) White paper on the promotion of an integrated risk assessment concept in European regulatory frameworks for chemicals
Author Wilks, M.F.; Roth, N.; Aicher, L.; Faust, M.; Papadaki, P.; Marchis, A.; Calliera, M.; Ginebreda, A.; Andres, S.; Kühne, R. ORCID logo ; Schüürmann, G.
Source Titel Science of the Total Environment
Year 2015
Department OEC
Volume 521-522
Page From 211
Page To 218
Language englisch
Keywords Human health risk assessment; Environmental risk assessment; Integrated risk assessment; Regulatory framework; Chemicals
UFZ wide themes RU3;
Abstract The vision of a sustainable and safe use of chemicals to protect human health, preserve the environment and maintain the ecosystem requires innovative and more holistic approaches to risk assessment (RA) in order to better inform decision making. Integrated risk assessment (IRA) has been proposed as a solution to current scientific, societal and policy needs. It is defined as the mutual exploitation of environmental risk assessment (ERA) for human health risk assessment (HHRA) and vice versa in order to coherently and more efficiently characterize an overall risk to humans and the environment for better informing the risk analysis process. Extrapolating between species which are relevant for HHRA and ERA requires a detailed understanding of pathways of toxicity/modes of action (MoA) for the various toxicological endpoints. Significant scientific advances, changes in chemical legislation, and increasing environmental consciousness have created a favourable scientific and regulatory environment to develop and promote the concept and vision of IRA. An initial proof of concept is needed to foster the incorporation of IRA approaches into different chemical sectorial regulations and demonstrate their reliability for regulatory purposes. More familiarity and confidence with IRA will ultimately contribute to an overall reduction in in vivo toxicity testing requirements. However, significant progress will only be made if long-term support for MoA-related research is secured. In the short term, further exchange and harmonization of RA terminology, models and methodologies across chemical categories and regulatory agencies will support these efforts. Since societal values, public perceptions and cultural factors are of increasing importance for the acceptance of risk analysis and successful implementation of risk mitigation measures, the integration of socio-economic analysis and socio-behavioural considerations into the risk analysis process may help to produce a more effective risk evaluation and consideration of the risks and benefits associated with the use of chemicals.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=16191
Wilks, M.F., Roth, N., Aicher, L., Faust, M., Papadaki, P., Marchis, A., Calliera, M., Ginebreda, A., Andres, S., Kühne, R., Schüürmann, G. (2015):
White paper on the promotion of an integrated risk assessment concept in European regulatory frameworks for chemicals
Sci. Total Environ. 521-522 , 211 - 218 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.065