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Bechu AM, Roy MA, Jacobs M, Tickner JA. Alternatives assessment: An analysis on progress and future needs for research and practice. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023. [PMID: 38124425 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Alternatives assessment is a science-policy approach to support the informed substitution of chemicals of concern in consumer products and industries, with the intent of avoiding regrettable substitution and facilitating the transition to safer, more sustainable chemicals and products. The field of alternatives assessment has grown steadily in recent decades, particularly after the publication of specific frameworks and the inclusion of substitution and alternatives assessment requirements in a number of policy contexts. Previously, 14 research and practice needs for the field were outlined across five critical areas: comparative hazard assessment, comparative exposure characterization, lifecycle considerations, decision-making and decision analysis, and professional practice. The aim of the current article is twofold: to highlight methodological advances in the growing field of alternatives assessment based on identified research and practice needs and to propose areas for future developments. We assess advances in the field based on the analysis of a broad literature review that captured 154 sources published from 2013 to 2022. The results indicate that research conducted advanced many of the needs identified, but several remain underaddressed. Although the field has clearly grown and taken root over the past decade, there are still research and practice gaps, most notably on the hazard assessment of mixtures or different forms of chemicals, the integration of lifecycle considerations, and the development of practical approaches to address trade-offs in decision-making. We propose modifications to four of the prior research and practice needs in addition to new needs, including the development of standardized hazard assessment approaches for chemical mixtures as well as better integration of equity and/or justice considerations into assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-18. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude M Bechu
- Sustainable Chemistry Catalyst, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monika A Roy
- Sustainable Chemistry Catalyst, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Molly Jacobs
- Sustainable Chemistry Catalyst, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joel A Tickner
- Sustainable Chemistry Catalyst, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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Okeke ES, Chukwudozie KI, Nyaruaba R, Ita RE, Oladipo A, Ejeromedoghene O, Atakpa EO, Agu CV, Okoye CO. Antibiotic resistance in aquaculture and aquatic organisms: a review of current nanotechnology applications for sustainable management. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:69241-69274. [PMID: 35969340 PMCID: PMC9376131 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Aquaculture has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing food industries in recent years, helping food security and boosting global economic status. The indiscriminate disposal of untreated or improperly managed waste and effluents from different sources including production plants, food processing sectors, and healthcare sectors release various contaminants such as bioactive compounds and unmetabolized antibiotics, and antibiotic-resistant organisms into the environment. These emerging contaminants (ECs), especially antibiotics, have the potential to pollute the environment, particularly the aquatic ecosystem due to their widespread use in aquaculture, leading to various toxicological effects on aquatic organisms as well as long-term persistence in the environment. However, various forms of nanotechnology-based technologies are now being explored to assist other remediation technologies to boost productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. In this review, we critically highlighted several ecofriendly nanotechnological methods including nanodrug and vaccine delivery, nanoformulations, and nanosensor for their antimicrobial effects in aquaculture and aquatic organisms, potential public health risks associated with nanoparticles, and their mitigation measures for sustainable management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41000, Enugu State, Nigeria
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment & Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kingsley Ikechukwu Chukwudozie
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Raphael Nyaruaba
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- Center for Biosafety Megascience, Wuhan Institute of Virology, CAS, Wuhan, China
| | - Richard Ekeng Ita
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun Oladipo
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Onome Ejeromedoghene
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211189, People's Republic of China
| | - Edidiong Okokon Atakpa
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Marine Biology & Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Animal & Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Uyo, 1017, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | | | - Charles Obinwanne Okoye
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Department of Zoology & Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria.
- School of Environment & Safety Engineering, Biofuels Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Agricultural Machinery Equipment, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
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Noman E, Al-Gheethi A, Radin Mohamed RMS, Talip B, Al-Sahari M, Al-Shaibani M. Quantitative microbiological risk assessment of complex microbial community in Prawn farm wastewater and applicability of nanoparticles and probiotics for eliminating of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 419:126418. [PMID: 34171673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The current review highlighted the quantitative microbiological risk assessment of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Prawn farm wastewaters (PFWWs) and the applicability of nanoparticles for eliminating antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). The high availability of the antibiotics in the environment and their transmission into human through the food-chain might cause unknown health effects. The aquaculture environments are considered as a reservoir for the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and contributed effectively in the increasing of ABR. The metagenomic analysis is used to explore ARGs in the non-clinical environment. V. parahaemolyticus is among the pathogenic bacteria which are transmitted through sea food causing human acute gastroenteritis due to available thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), adhesins, TDH related hemolysin (trh). The inactivation of pathogenic bacteria using nanoparticles act by disturbing the cell membrane, interrupting the transport system, DNA and mitochondria damage, and oxidizing the cellular component by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The chloramphenicol, nitrofurans, and nitroimidazole are among the prohibited drugs in fish and fishery product. The utilization of probiotics is the most effective and safe alternative for antibiotics in Prawn aquaculture. This review will ensure public understanding among the readers on how they can decrease the risk of the antimicrobial resistance distribution in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efaq Noman
- Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Applied Science, Taiz University, Yemen; Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Pagoh Higher Education Hub, KM 1, Jalan Panchor, 84000 Panchor, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Adel Al-Gheethi
- Micropollutant Research Centre (MPRC), Faculty of Civil Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Radin Maya Saphira Radin Mohamed
- Micropollutant Research Centre (MPRC), Faculty of Civil Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Balkis Talip
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Pagoh Higher Education Hub, KM 1, Jalan Panchor, 84000 Panchor, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Al-Sahari
- Micropollutant Research Centre (MPRC), Faculty of Civil Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Muhanna Al-Shaibani
- Micropollutant Research Centre (MPRC), Faculty of Civil Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
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Salieri B, Kaiser JP, Rösslein M, Nowack B, Hischier R, Wick P. Relative potency factor approach enables the use of in vitro information for estimation of human effect factors for nanoparticle toxicity in life-cycle impact assessment. Nanotoxicology 2020; 14:275-286. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2019.1710872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Salieri
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pierre Kaiser
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Rösslein
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Roland Hischier
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wick
- Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory, Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Tickner J, Jacobs M, Malloy T, Buck T, Stone A, Blake A, Edwards S. Advancing alternatives assessment for safer chemical substitution: A research and practice agenda. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2019; 15:855-866. [PMID: 30117284 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Alternatives assessment has emerged as a science policy field that supports the evaluation and adoption of safer chemistries in manufacturing processes and consumer products. The recent surge in the development and practice of alternatives assessment has revealed notable methodological challenges. Spurred by this need, we convened an informal community of practice comprising industry experts, academics, and scientists within government and nongovernmental organizations to prioritize a research and practice agenda for the next 5 years that, if implemented, would significantly advance the field of alternatives assessment. With input from over 40 experts, the agenda outlines specific needs to advance methods, tools, and guidance in 5 critical areas: hazard assessment, comparative exposure characterization, life cycle considerations, decision making, and professional practice. Fifteen research and practice needs were identified, ranging from relatively simple efforts to define a minimum hazard data set to the development of more complex performance and decision-analytic methods and data integration tools. Some research needs involve adapting existing approaches to the alternatives assessment context, while others will require the development of entirely new methods and tools. The proposed research and practice agenda is ambitious. Implementing it will require expanding the current network of researchers from academia, government, and industry, as well as increased funding for methodological, application, and evaluation research. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;00:000-000. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Tickner
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, Department of Public Health, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
- Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Molly Jacobs
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, Department of Public Health, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
- Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tim Malloy
- University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Topher Buck
- Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association, Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex Stone
- Washington Department of Ecology, Lacey, Washington, USA
| | - Ann Blake
- Environmental and Public Health Consulting, Alameda, California, USA
| | - Sally Edwards
- Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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Hanigan D, Truong L, Schoepf J, Nosaka T, Mulchandani A, Tanguay RL, Westerhoff P. Trade-offs in ecosystem impacts from nanomaterial versus organic chemical ultraviolet filters in sunscreens. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 139:281-290. [PMID: 29656193 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Both nanoparticulate (nZnO and nTiO2) and organic chemical ultraviolet (UV) filters are active ingredients in sunscreen and protect against skin cancer, but limited research exists on the environmental effects of sunscreen release into aquatic systems. To examine the trade-offs of incorporating nanoparticles (NPs) into sunscreens over the past two decades, we targeted endpoints sensitive to the potential risks of different UV filters: solar reactive oxygen production in water and disruption of zebrafish embryo development. First, we developed methodology to extract nanoparticles from sunscreens with organic solvents. Zebrafish embryos exposed to parts-per-million NPs used in sunscreens displayed limited toxicological effects; nZnO particles appeared to be slightly more toxic than nTiO2 at the highest concentrations. In contrast, seven organic UV filters did not affect zebrafish embryogenesis at or near aqueous solubility. Second, to simulate potent photo-initiated reactions upon release into water, we examined methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light. nTiO2 from sunscreen caused 10 times faster MB loss than nZnO and approached the photocatalytic degradation rate of a commercial nTiO2 photocatalysts (P25). Organic UV filters did not cause measurable MB degradation. Finally, we estimated that between 1 and 10 ppm of sunscreen NPs in surface waters could produce similar steady state hydroxyl radical concentrations as naturally occurring fluvic acids under sunlight irradiation. Incorporation of NPs into sunscreen may increase environmental concentrations of reactive oxygen, albeit to a limited extent, which can influence transformation of dissolved substances and potentially affect ecosystem processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hanigan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, United States.
| | - Lisa Truong
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, United States
| | - Jared Schoepf
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5506, United States
| | - Takayuki Nosaka
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5506, United States
| | - Anjali Mulchandani
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-3005, United States
| | - Robert L Tanguay
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, United States
| | - Paul Westerhoff
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-3005, United States
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Lai RWS, Yeung KWY, Yung MMN, Djurišić AB, Giesy JP, Leung KMY. Regulation of engineered nanomaterials: current challenges, insights and future directions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:3060-3077. [PMID: 28639026 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Substantial production and wide applications of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have raised concerns over their potential influences on the environment and humans. However, regulations of products containing ENMs are scarce, even in countries with the greatest volume of ENMs produced, such as the United States and China. After a comprehensive review of life cycles of ENMs, five major challenges to regulators posed by ENMs are proposed in this review: (a) ENMs exhibit variable physicochemical characteristics, which makes them difficult for regulators to establish regulatory definition; (b) Due to diverse sources and transport pathways for ENMs, it is difficult to monitor or predict their fates in the environment; (c) There is a lack of reliable techniques for quantifying exposures to ENMs; (d) Because of diverse intrinsic properties of ENMs and dynamic environmental conditions, it is difficult to predict bioavailability of ENMs on wildlife and the environment; and (e) There are knowledge gaps in toxicity and toxic mechanisms of ENMs from which to predict their hazards. These challenges are all related to issues in conventional assessments of risks that regulators rely on. To address the fast-growing nanotechnology market with limited resources, four ENMs (nanoparticles of Ag, TiO2, ZnO and Fe2O3) have been prioritized for research. Compulsory reporting schemes (registration and labelling) for commercial products containing ENMs should be adopted. Moreover, to accommodate their potential risks in time, an integrative use of quantitative structure-activity relationship and adverse outcome pathway (QSAR-AOP), together with qualitative alternatives to conventional risk assessment are proposed as tools for decision making of regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racliffe W S Lai
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Katie W Y Yeung
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mana M N Yung
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - John P Giesy
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kenneth M Y Leung
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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Hjorth R. The shortfall of risk assessment for decision-making. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 12:1109-1110. [PMID: 29209011 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2017.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rune Hjorth
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Zaunbrecher V, Beryt E, Parodi D, Telesca D, Doherty J, Malloy T, Allard P. Has Toxicity Testing Moved into the 21st Century? A Survey and Analysis of Perceptions in the Field of Toxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:087024. [PMID: 28934728 PMCID: PMC5783667 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ten years ago, leaders in the field of toxicology called for a transformation of the discipline and a shift from primarily relying on traditional animal testing to incorporating advances in biotechnology and predictive methodologies into alternative testing strategies (ATS). Governmental agencies and academic and industry partners initiated programs to support such a transformation, but a decade later, the outcomes of these efforts are not well understood. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the use of ATS and the perceived barriers and drivers to their adoption by toxicologists and by others working in, or closely linked with, the field of toxicology. METHODS We surveyed 1,381 toxicologists and experts in associated fields regarding the viability and use of ATS and the perceived barriers and drivers of ATS for a range of applications. We performed ranking, hierarchical clustering, and correlation analyses of the survey data. RESULTS Many respondents indicated that they were already using ATS, or believed that ATS were already viable approaches, for toxicological assessment of one or more end points in their primary area of interest or concern (26-86%, depending on the specific ATS/application pair). However, the proportions of respondents reporting use of ATS in the previous 12 mo were smaller (4.5-41%). Concern about regulatory acceptance was the most commonly cited factor inhibiting the adoption of ATS, and a variety of technical concerns were also cited as significant barriers to ATS viability. The factors most often cited as playing a significant role (currently or in the future) in driving the adoption of ATS were the need for expedited toxicology information, the need for reduced toxicity testing costs, demand by regulatory agencies, and ethical or moral concerns. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the transformation of the field of toxicology is partly implemented, but significant barriers to acceptance and adoption remain. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Zaunbrecher
- Sustainable Technology and Policy Program, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
- School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Beryt
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniela Parodi
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Donatello Telesca
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joseph Doherty
- School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Timothy Malloy
- Sustainable Technology and Policy Program, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
- School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Patrick Allard
- Sustainable Technology and Policy Program, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California, USA
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Hansen SF. React now regarding nanomaterial regulation. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 12:714-716. [PMID: 28775352 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2017.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej Building 115, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Aschberger K, Campia I, Pesudo LQ, Radovnikovic A, Reina V. Chemical alternatives assessment of different flame retardants - A case study including multi-walled carbon nanotubes as synergist. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 101:27-45. [PMID: 28161204 PMCID: PMC5357113 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardants (FRs) are a diverse group of chemicals used as additives in a wide range of products to inhibit, suppress, or delay ignition and to prevent the spread of fire. Halogenated FRs (HFRs) are widely used because of their low impact on other material properties and the low loading levels necessary to meet the required flame retardancy. Health and environmental hazards associated with some halogenated FRs have driven research for identifying safer alternatives. A variety of halogen-free FRs are available on the market, including organic (phosphorus and nitrogen based chemicals) and inorganic (metals) materials. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have been demonstrated to act as an effective/synergistic co-additive in some FR applications and could thereby contribute to reducing the loading of FRs in products and improving their performance. As part of the FP7 project DEROCA we carried out a chemical alternatives assessment (CAA). This is a methodology for identifying, comparing and selecting safer alternatives to chemicals of concern based on criteria for categorising human and environmental toxicity as well as environmental fate. In the project we assessed the hazard data of different halogen-free FRs to be applied in 5 industrial and consumer products and here we present the results for MWCNT, aluminium diethylphosphinate, aluminium trihydroxide, N-alkoxy hindered amines and red phosphorus compared to the HFR decabromodiphenylether. We consulted the REACH guidance, the criteria of the U.S.-EPA Design for Environment (DfE) and the GreenScreen® Assessment to assess and compare intrinsic properties affecting the hazard potential. A comparison/ranking of exposure reference values such as Derived No Effect Levels (DNELs) showed that FRs of concern are not identified by a low DNEL. A comparison based on hazard designations according to the U.S.-EPA DfE and GreenScreen® for human health endpoints, aquatic toxicity and environmental fate showed that the major differences between FRs of concern and their proposed alternatives are the potential for bioaccumulation and CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) effects. As most alternatives are inorganic chemicals, persistence (alone) is not a suitable criterion. From our experiences in carrying out a CAA we conclude: i) REACH registration dossiers provide a comprehensive source of hazard information for an alternative assessment. It is important to consider that the presented data is subject to changes and its quality is variable. ii) Correct identification of the chemicals is crucial to retrieve the right data. This can be challenging for mixtures, reaction products or nanomaterials or when only trade names are available. iii) The quality of the data and the practice on how to fill data gaps can have a huge impact on the results and conclusions. iv) Current assessment criteria have mainly been developed for organic chemicals and create challenges when applied to inorganic solids, including nanomaterials. It is therefore crucial to analyse and report uncertainties for each decision making step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Aschberger
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
| | - Ivana Campia
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - Laia Quiros Pesudo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - Anita Radovnikovic
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy
| | - Vittorio Reina
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Directorate for Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Via E. Fermi 2749, I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy
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Hjorth R, van Hove L, Wickson F. What can nanosafety learn from drug development? The feasibility of "safety by design". Nanotoxicology 2017; 11:305-312. [PMID: 28303735 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2017.1299891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
"Safety by design" (SbD) is an intuitively appealing concept that is on the rise within nanotoxicology and nanosafety research, as well as within nanotechnology research policy. It leans on principles established within drug discovery and development (DDD) and seeks to address safety early, as well as throughout product development. However, it remains unclear what the concept of SbD exactly entails for engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) or how it is envisioned to be implemented. Here, we review the concept as it is emerging in European research and compare its resemblance with the safety testing and assessment practices in DDD. From this comparison, it is clear that "safety" is not obtained through DDD, and that SbD should be considered a starting point rather than an end, meaning that products will still need to progress through thorough safety evaluations and regulation. We conclude that although risk reduction is clearly desirable, the way SbD is currently communicated tends to treat safety as an inherent material property and that this is fundamentally problematic as it represents a recasting and reduction of societal issues into technical problems. SbD therefore faces a multitude of challenges, from practical implementation to unrealistic stakeholder expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Hjorth
- a Department of Environmental Engineering , Technical University of Denmark , Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Lilian van Hove
- b Department of Society, Ecology and Ethics , GenØk Centre for Biosafety , Tromsø , Norway
| | - Fern Wickson
- b Department of Society, Ecology and Ethics , GenØk Centre for Biosafety , Tromsø , Norway
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