Innovating in the exposure and risk assessment of chemical contaminants –  exploring synergies with the European PARC Project

Silva, Maria João; Koutsodimou, Aglaia; Namorado, Sónia; Dessipri, Eugenia; Alygisakis, Nikiforos; Rousselle, Christophe; Sanders, Pascal

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/8996

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Authors

Alygisakis, Nikiforos

Rousselle, Christophe

Sanders, Pascal

Abstract(s)

The prevalence of many human diseases can be drastically reduced through the identification and prevention of environmental risk factors. This fact constitutes a strong incentive to innovate in the exposure and hazard assessment of chemicals, through all available knowledge and technologies, towards a next-generation risk assessment (NGRA). The European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC, 2022 – 2029) coordinated by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), brings together around 200 partners from all Europe and three European Agencies, with the common goal of strengthening research and increasing the capacity for innovation in risk assessment, to protect human health and the environment. PARC is organized in three main pillars; i) establishment of a high level network at the interface of science and policy, setting the science-policy agenda and developing synergies collaboration and awareness; ii) implementation of Research & Innovation towards NGRA , comprising the fields of exposure and monitoring, hazard assessment, innovation in regulatory risk assessment and concepts and toolboxes; iii) development of capacities and platforms, to ensure FAIR data production and to develop infrastructures and human capacities. PARC was built on lessons learned and knowledge acquired in other initiatives, e.g., the Human Biomonitoring Initiative for Europe (HBM4EU) but intends to go further and use a more holistic approach through the development of tools and methods that will enable the integration of all sources and routes of exposure to chemical contaminants and by targeting human and environmental health. Several substances groups have been prioritised for study, including heavy metals, bisphenol A analogues, pesticides, and mycotoxins. Taking advantage of established and innovative tools and technologies, PARC also expects to increase the effi ciency of in vitro toxicity testing while reducing the use of animals. The development of Adverse Outcome Pathways will set the biological framework to enable the development of integrated approaches to testing and assessment for regulatory decision-making. This will support the implementation of preventive measures, interventions, or new policies, to better protect public health. To boost its impact, a strategy for the communication and dissemination of PARC outcomes, targeted to diff erent end-users, has been established. Furthermore, PARC offers a unique opportunity to foster synergies and establish effective collaborations with other relevant scientifi c and/or regulatory initiatives at a global level, which will be crucial to maximize the global impact and regulatory acceptance of NGRA.