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Patterson EA, Whelan MP, Worth AP. The role of validation in establishing the scientific credibility of predictive toxicology approaches intended for regulatory application. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 17:100144. [PMID: 33681540 PMCID: PMC7903516 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2020.100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The role of validation in establishing the credibility of predictive methods is discussed. Various assessment frameworks for predictive methods have evolved independently, being developed by different communities. A set of seven credibility factors is proposed as a method-agnostic means of comparing the various assessment frameworks. It is hoped this will facilitate communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration between method developers and users.
New approaches in toxicology based on in vitro methods and computational modelling offer considerable potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of chemical hazard and risk assessment in a variety of regulatory contexts. However, this presents challenges both for developers and regulatory assessors because often these two communities do not share the same level of confidence in a new approach. To address this challenge, various assessment frameworks have been developed over the past 20 years with the aim of creating harmonised and systematic approaches for evaluating new methods. These frameworks typically focus on specific methodologies and technologies, which has proven useful for establishing the validity and credibility of individual methods. However, given the increasing need to compare methods and combine their use in integrated assessment strategies, the multiplicity of frameworks is arguably becoming a barrier to their acceptance. In this commentary, we explore the concepts of model validity and credibility, and we illustrate how a set of seven credibility factors provides a method-agnostic means of comparing different kinds of predictive toxicology approaches. It is hoped that this will facilitate communication and cross-disciplinarity among method developers and users, with the ultimate aim of increasing the acceptance and use of predictive approaches in toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew P Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
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2
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Lamon L, Asturiol D, Vilchez A, Ruperez-Illescas R, Cabellos J, Richarz A, Worth A. Computational models for the assessment of manufactured nanomaterials: Development of model reporting standards and mapping of the model landscape. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 9:143-151. [PMID: 31008416 PMCID: PMC6472618 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Different types of computational models have been developed for predicting the biokinetics, environmental fate, exposure levels and toxicological effects of chemicals and manufactured nanomaterials (MNs). However, these models are not described in a consistent manner in the scientific literature, which is one of the barriers to their broader use and acceptance, especially for regulatory purposes. Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) are in silico models based on the assumption that the activity of a substance is related to its chemical structure. These models can be used to provide information on (eco)toxicological effects in hazard assessment. In an environmental risk assessment, environmental exposure models can be used to estimate the predicted environmental concentration (PEC). In addition, physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models can be used in various ways to support a human health risk assessment. In this paper, we first propose model reporting templates for systematically and transparently describing models that could potentially be used to support regulatory risk assessments of MNs, for example under the REACH regulation. The model reporting templates include (a) the adaptation of the QSAR Model Reporting Format (QMRF) to report models for MNs, and (b) the development of a model reporting template for PBK and environmental exposure models applicable to MNs. Second, we show the usefulness of these templates to report different models, resulting in an overview of the landscape of available computational models for MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Lamon
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - D. Asturiol
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - A. Vilchez
- Leitat Technological Center, c/de la Innovació 2, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R. Ruperez-Illescas
- Leitat Technological Center, c/de la Innovació 2, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Cabellos
- Leitat Technological Center, c/de la Innovació 2, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. Richarz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - A. Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
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3
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Paini A, Leonard J, Joossens E, Bessems J, Desalegn A, Dorne J, Gosling J, Heringa M, Klaric M, Kliment T, Kramer N, Loizou G, Louisse J, Lumen A, Madden J, Patterson E, Proença S, Punt A, Setzer R, Suciu N, Troutman J, Yoon M, Worth A, Tan Y. Next generation physiologically based kinetic (NG-PBK) models in support of regulatory decision making. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 9:61-72. [PMID: 31008414 PMCID: PMC6472623 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The fields of toxicology and chemical risk assessment seek to reduce, and eventually replace, the use of animals for the prediction of toxicity in humans. In this context, physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modelling based on in vitro and in silico kinetic data has the potential to a play significant role in reducing animal testing, by providing a methodology capable of incorporating in vitro human data to facilitate the development of in vitro to in vivo extrapolation of hazard information. In the present article, we discuss the challenges in: 1) applying PBK modelling to support regulatory decision making under the toxicology and risk-assessment paradigm shift towards animal replacement; 2) constructing PBK models without in vivo animal kinetic data, while relying solely on in vitro or in silico methods for model parameterization; and 3) assessing the validity and credibility of PBK models built largely using non-animal data. The strengths, uncertainties, and limitations of PBK models developed using in vitro or in silico data are discussed in an effort to establish a higher degree of confidence in the application of such models in a regulatory context. The article summarises the outcome of an expert workshop hosted by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (EC-JRC) - European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM), on "Physiologically-Based Kinetic modelling in risk assessment - reaching a whole new level in regulatory decision-making" held in Ispra, Italy, in November 2016, along with results from an international survey conducted in 2017 and recently reported activities occurring within the PBK modelling field. The discussions presented herein highlight the potential applications of next generation (NG)-PBK modelling, based on new data streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Paini
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | - J.A. Leonard
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, 100 ORAU Way, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - E. Joossens
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | - J.G.M. Bessems
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - A. Desalegn
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | - J.L. Dorne
- European Food Safety Authority, 1a, Via Carlo Magno, 1A, 43126 Parma PR, Italy
| | - J.P. Gosling
- School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - M.B. Heringa
- RIVM - The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - T. Kliment
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | - N.I. Kramer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80177, 3508TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - G. Loizou
- Health and Safety Executive, Buxton, UK
| | - J. Louisse
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Tuinlaan 5, 6703 HE Wageningen, The Netherlands
- RIKILT Wageningen University and Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - A. Lumen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - J.C. Madden
- School of Pharmacy and Bimolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - E.A. Patterson
- School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK
| | - S. Proença
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80177, 3508TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A. Punt
- RIKILT Wageningen University and Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R.W. Setzer
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - N. Suciu
- DiSTAS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - J. Troutman
- Central Product Safety, The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - M. Yoon
- ScitoVation, 6 Davis Drive, PO Box 110566, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- ToxStrategies, Research Triangle Park Office, 1249 Kildaire Farm Road 134, Cary, NC 27511, USA
| | - A. Worth
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | - Y.M. Tan
- School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK
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Lamon L, Asturiol D, Vilchez A, Cabellos J, Damásio J, Janer G, Richarz A, Worth A. Physiologically based mathematical models of nanomaterials for regulatory toxicology: A review. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 9:133-142. [PMID: 31008415 PMCID: PMC6472634 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The development of physiologically based (PB) models to support safety assessments in the field of nanotechnology has grown steadily during the last decade. This review reports on the availability of PB models for toxicokinetic (TK) and toxicodynamic (TD) processes, including in vitro and in vivo dosimetry models applied to manufactured nanomaterials (MNs). In addition to reporting on the state-of-the-art in the scientific literature concerning the availability of physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models, we evaluate their relevance for regulatory applications, mainly considering the EU REACH regulation. First, we performed a literature search to identify all available PBK models. Then, we systematically reported the content of the identified papers in a tailored template to build a consistent inventory, thereby supporting model comparison. We also described model availability for physiologically based dynamic (PBD) and in vitro and in vivo dosimetry models according to the same template. For completeness, a number of classical toxicokinetic (CTK) models were also included in the inventory. The review describes the PBK model landscape applied to MNs on the basis of the type of MNs covered by the models, their stated applicability domain, the type of (nano-specific) inputs required, and the type of outputs generated. We identify the main assumptions made during model development that may influence the uncertainty in the final assessment, and we assess the REACH relevance of the available models within each model category. Finally, we compare the state of PB model acceptance for chemicals and for MNs. In general, PB model acceptance is limited by the absence of standardised reporting formats, psychological factors such as the complexity of the models, and technical considerations such as lack of blood:tissue partitioning data for model calibration/validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Lamon
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - D. Asturiol
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - A. Vilchez
- Leitat Technological Center, c/de la Innovació 2, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Cabellos
- Leitat Technological Center, c/de la Innovació 2, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Damásio
- Leitat Technological Center, c/de la Innovació 2, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G. Janer
- Leitat Technological Center, c/de la Innovació 2, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. Richarz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - A. Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra (VA), Italy
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5
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Sala Benito JV, Paini A, Richarz AN, Meinl T, Berthold MR, Cronin MTD, Worth AP. Automated workflows for modelling chemical fate, kinetics and toxicity. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 45:249-257. [PMID: 28323105 PMCID: PMC5745146 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Automation is universal in today's society, from operating equipment such as machinery, in factory processes, to self-parking automobile systems. While these examples show the efficiency and effectiveness of automated mechanical processes, automated procedures that support the chemical risk assessment process are still in their infancy. Future human safety assessments will rely increasingly on the use of automated models, such as physiologically based kinetic (PBK) and dynamic models and the virtual cell based assay (VCBA). These biologically-based models will be coupled with chemistry-based prediction models that also automate the generation of key input parameters such as physicochemical properties. The development of automated software tools is an important step in harmonising and expediting the chemical safety assessment process. In this study, we illustrate how the KNIME Analytics Platform can be used to provide a user-friendly graphical interface for these biokinetic models, such as PBK models and VCBA, which simulates the fate of chemicals in vivo within the body and in vitro test systems respectively. The VCBA is a mathematical model that simulates in vitro fate of chemicals and the corresponding cellular effect. The VCBA has been implemented in an open access web-based KNIME platform for ease of use. KNIME Analytics Platform can be used to provide a user-friendly graphical interface for biokinetic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Sala Benito
- Chemical Safety and Alternative Methods Unit, EURL ECVAM, Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | - Alicia Paini
- Chemical Safety and Alternative Methods Unit, EURL ECVAM, Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy.
| | - Andrea-Nicole Richarz
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | | | - Michael R Berthold
- Universität Konstanz, Fachbereich Informatik und Informationswissenschaft, Box 712, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Mark T D Cronin
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Andrew P Worth
- Chemical Safety and Alternative Methods Unit, EURL ECVAM, Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
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6
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Huang L, Ernstoff A, Fantke P, Csiszar SA, Jolliet O. A review of models for near-field exposure pathways of chemicals in consumer products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 574:1182-1208. [PMID: 27644856 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.06.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to chemicals in consumer products has been gaining increasing attention, with multiple studies showing that near-field exposures from products is high compared to far-field exposures. Regarding the numerous chemical-product combinations, there is a need for an overarching review of models able to quantify the multiple transfers of chemicals from products used near-field to humans. The present review therefore aims at an in-depth overview of modeling approaches for near-field chemical release and human exposure pathways associated with consumer products. It focuses on lower-tier, mechanistic models suitable for life cycle assessments (LCA), chemical alternative assessment (CAA) and high-throughput screening risk assessment (HTS). Chemicals in a product enter the near-field via a defined "compartment of entry", are transformed or transferred to adjacent compartments, and eventually end in a "human receptor compartment". We first focus on models of physical mass transfers from the product to 'near-field' compartments. For transfers of chemicals from article interior, adequate modeling of in-article diffusion and of partitioning between article surface and air/skin/food is key. Modeling volatilization and subsequent transfer to the outdoor is crucial for transfers of chemicals used in the inner space of appliances, on object surfaces or directly emitted to indoor air. For transfers from skin surface, models need to reflect the competition between dermal permeation, volatilization and fraction washed-off. We then focus on transfers from the 'near-field' to 'human' compartments, defined as respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and epidermis, for which good estimates of air concentrations, non-dietary ingestion parameters and skin permeation are essential, respectively. We critically characterize for each exposure pathway the ability of models to estimate near-field transfers and to best inform LCA, CAA and HTS, summarizing the main characteristics of the potentially best-suited models. This review identifies large knowledge gaps for several near-field pathways and suggests research needs and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Environmental Health Sciences & Risk Science Center, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, United States.
| | - Alexi Ernstoff
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment Division, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2808 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Fantke
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment Division, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2808 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Susan A Csiszar
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participant, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Olivier Jolliet
- Environmental Health Sciences & Risk Science Center, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, United States
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Ciffroy P, Alfonso B, Altenpohl A, Banjac Z, Bierkens J, Brochot C, Critto A, De Wilde T, Fait G, Fierens T, Garratt J, Giubilato E, Grange E, Johansson E, Radomyski A, Reschwann K, Suciu N, Tanaka T, Tediosi A, Van Holderbeke M, Verdonck F. Modelling the exposure to chemicals for risk assessment: a comprehensive library of multimedia and PBPK models for integration, prediction, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis - the MERLIN-Expo tool. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 568:770-784. [PMID: 27169730 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
MERLIN-Expo is a library of models that was developed in the frame of the FP7 EU project 4FUN in order to provide an integrated assessment tool for state-of-the-art exposure assessment for environment, biota and humans, allowing the detection of scientific uncertainties at each step of the exposure process. This paper describes the main features of the MERLIN-Expo tool. The main challenges in exposure modelling that MERLIN-Expo has tackled are: (i) the integration of multimedia (MM) models simulating the fate of chemicals in environmental media, and of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models simulating the fate of chemicals in human body. MERLIN-Expo thus allows the determination of internal effective chemical concentrations; (ii) the incorporation of a set of functionalities for uncertainty/sensitivity analysis, from screening to variance-based approaches. The availability of such tools for uncertainty and sensitivity analysis aimed to facilitate the incorporation of such issues in future decision making; (iii) the integration of human and wildlife biota targets with common fate modelling in the environment. MERLIN-Expo is composed of a library of fate models dedicated to non biological receptor media (surface waters, soils, outdoor air), biological media of concern for humans (several cultivated crops, mammals, milk, fish), as well as wildlife biota (primary producers in rivers, invertebrates, fish) and humans. These models can be linked together to create flexible scenarios relevant for both human and wildlife biota exposure. Standardized documentation for each model and training material were prepared to support an accurate use of the tool by end-users. One of the objectives of the 4FUN project was also to increase the confidence in the applicability of the MERLIN-Expo tool through targeted realistic case studies. In particular, we aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of building complex realistic exposure scenarios and the accuracy of the modelling predictions through a comparison with actual measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ciffroy
- Electricité de France (EDF) R&D, National Hydraulic and Environment Laboratory, 6 quai Watier, 78400 Chatou, France
| | - B Alfonso
- Facilia AB, Gustavslundsvägen 151C, 167 51 Bromma, Sweden
| | - A Altenpohl
- Austrian Standards Institute, Heinestr. 38, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Z Banjac
- Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Bierkens
- EUrelations AG, Technoparkstr. 1, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Brochot
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Human and Environmental Exposure and Risk Assessment, VITO - Health, Mol, Belgium
| | - A Critto
- Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Unité Modèles pour l'Ecotoxicologie et la Toxicologie (METO), Parc ALATA BP2, 60550 Verneuil en Halatte, France
| | - T De Wilde
- University Ca' Foscari Venice, Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre-Venezia, Italy
| | - G Fait
- Arche cvba, Liefkensstraat 35d, 9032 Gent (Wondelgem), Belgium
| | - T Fierens
- EUrelations AG, Technoparkstr. 1, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Garratt
- AIEFORIA srl, via Gramsci 22, 43036 Fidenza (PR), Italy
| | - E Giubilato
- Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Unité Modèles pour l'Ecotoxicologie et la Toxicologie (METO), Parc ALATA BP2, 60550 Verneuil en Halatte, France
| | - E Grange
- AIEFORIA srl, via Gramsci 22, 43036 Fidenza (PR), Italy
| | - E Johansson
- Facilia AB, Gustavslundsvägen 151C, 167 51 Bromma, Sweden
| | - A Radomyski
- Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Unité Modèles pour l'Ecotoxicologie et la Toxicologie (METO), Parc ALATA BP2, 60550 Verneuil en Halatte, France
| | - K Reschwann
- Enviresearch Ltd., Herschel Building/Nanotechnology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - N Suciu
- Istituto di Chimica Agraria ed Ambientale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - T Tanaka
- Electricité de France (EDF) R&D, National Hydraulic and Environment Laboratory, 6 quai Watier, 78400 Chatou, France
| | - A Tediosi
- Arche cvba, Liefkensstraat 35d, 9032 Gent (Wondelgem), Belgium
| | | | - F Verdonck
- University Ca' Foscari Venice, Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre-Venezia, Italy
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8
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Suciu N, Tediosi A, Ciffroy P, Altenpohl A, Brochot C, Verdonck F, Ferrari F, Giubilato E, Capri E, Fait G. Potential for MERLIN-Expo, an advanced tool for higher tier exposure assessment, within the EU chemical legislative frameworks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 562:474-479. [PMID: 27107646 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
MERLIN-Expo merges and integrates advanced exposure assessment methodologies, allowing the building of complex scenarios involving several pollution sources and targets. The assessment of exposure and risks to human health from chemicals is of major concern for policy and ultimately benefits all citizens. The development and operational fusion of the advanced exposure assessment methodologies envisaged in the MERLIN-Expo tool will have a significant impact in the long term on several policies dealing with chemical safety management. There are more than 30 agencies in Europe related to exposure and risk evaluation of chemicals, which have an important role in implementing EU policies, having especially tasks of technical, scientific, operational and/or regulatory nature. The main purpose of the present paper is to introduce MERLIN-Expo and to highlight its potential for being effectively integrated within the group of tools available to assess the risk and exposure of chemicals for EU policy. The main results show that the tool is highly suitable for use in site-specific or local impact assessment, with minor modifications it can also be used for Plant Protection Products (PPPs), biocides and REACH, while major additions would be required for a comprehensive application in the field of consumer and worker exposure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Suciu
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | | | - Philippe Ciffroy
- Electricité de France (EDF) R&D, National Hydraulic and Environment Laboratory, 6 quai Watier, 78400 Chatou, France
| | - Annette Altenpohl
- Österreichisches Normungsinstitut/Austrian Standards Institute, Heinestraße 38, 1020 Wien, Austria
| | - Céline Brochot
- INERIS, Parc ALATA, BP2, 60550 Verneuil en Halatte, France
| | | | | | - Elisa Giubilato
- University Ca Foscari Venice, Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre-Venice, Italy
| | - Ettore Capri
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
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