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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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Moore DW, Ruffle B, McQueen A, Thakali S, Edwards D. Frameworks for screening and risk management of chemicals and advanced materials: A critical review. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:1192-1206. [PMID: 35112493 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the evolution over the last half century of regulatory programs and frameworks developed for the evaluation of safety and management of risks associated with chemicals and materials, new and emerging contaminant issues continue to be identified. These recurring issues suggest a need for review and reflection on current approaches and strategies for ensuring the safety of chemicals and materials. Twelve existing frameworks relating to the evaluation and management of chemical or material risk were reviewed to identify potential process improvements for facilitating early identification of potentially problematic substances and better inform risk management strategies (e.g., prohibition, restricted use, or selection of safer alternatives). The frameworks were selected to represent a broad spectrum of regional, national, and international authorities and purposes, including preproduction evaluation of new substances, classification and hazard communication, identification of persistent pollutants, and identification of safer alternatives. Elements common to the frameworks were identified, as well as features unique to select frameworks. A comparative evaluation was performed, and potential new strategies and approaches were identified to inform process improvement recommendations. These recommendations include requiring validated analytical procedures to enable measurement in environmental media, improved data transparency and accessibility, flexibility to incorporate advances into the state of the practice (e.g., new approach methodologies and high-throughput assessment tools), and incorporation of monitoring and adaptive management strategies to enable more timely intervention. Process improvement recommendations are discussed and summarized in a conceptual risk management framework. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1192-1206. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Moore
- United States Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Andrew McQueen
- United States Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Deborah Edwards
- ExxonMobil Environmental and Property Solutions Company (retired), Houston, Texas, USA
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Friedrich K, Gurgel ADM, Sarpa M, Bedor CNG, Siqueira MTD, Gurgel IGD, Augusto LGDS. Toxicologia crítica aplicada aos agrotóxicos – perspectivas em defesa da vida. SAÚDE EM DEBATE 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/0103-11042022e220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO A toxicologia é aplicada aos processos regulatórios tendo como base central a linearidade das relações entre a dose e o efeito e a possibilidade de estabelecer condições de exposição seguras. Isso ocorre apesar das limitações apontadas pela literatura cientifica. A concepção, a definição das metodologias e a condução da avaliação de risco dos agrotóxicos acabam por atender aos interesses econômicos e à definição de cenários de segurança distantes da realidade. As limitações metodológicas dos estudos exigidos para fins de registro de um agrotóxico envolvem: a desconsideração das interações entre as misturas utilizadas; a não previsão de curvas dose-resposta não lineares (horméticas); a compartimentalização dos desfechos analisados; a exposição nos períodos críticos do desenvolvimento; e a desconsideração do contexto, das diversidades individuais, coletivas e dos territórios expostos aos agrotóxicos, entre outros aspectos discutido nesse ensaio. A toxicologia crítica propõe que a avaliação toxicológica parta da integralidade do problema no contexto apresentando propostas que podem ser adotadas nos processos de regulação de agrotóxicos e outras substâncias potencialmente perigosas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcia Sarpa
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (Inca), Brasil
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Massey R, Pollard L, Jacobs M, Onasch J, Harari H. Artificial Turf Infill: A Comparative Assessment of Chemical Contents. New Solut 2020; 30:10-26. [PMID: 32089037 DOI: 10.1177/1048291120906206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Concerns have been raised regarding toxic chemicals found in tire crumb used as infill in artificial turf and other play surfaces. A hazard-based analysis was conducted, comparing tire crumb with other materials marketed as alternative infills. These include other synthetic polymers as well as plant- and mineral-based materials. The comparison focused on the presence, absence, number, and concentration of chemicals of concern. No infill material was clearly free of concerns, but several are likely to be somewhat safer than tire crumb. Some alternative materials contain some of the same chemicals of concern as those found in tire crumb; however, they may contain a smaller number of these chemicals, and the chemicals may be present in lower quantities. Communities making choices about playing surfaces are encouraged to examine the full range of options, including the option of organically managed natural grass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Massey
- Toxics Use Reduction Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Lindsey Pollard
- Toxics Use Reduction Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Molly Jacobs
- Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Joy Onasch
- Toxics Use Reduction Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Homero Harari
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Sackmann K, Reemtsma T, Rahmberg M, Bunke D. Impact of European chemicals regulation on the industrial use of plasticizers and patterns of substitution in Scandinavia. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 119:346-352. [PMID: 29990955 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
REACH aims at promoting the safe use of chemicals in Europe, inter alia by identification and regulation of substances of very high concern (SVHCs). Once identified, SVHCs need to be substituted by safer alternatives. However, substitutes are frequently not safer than the substances that they replace but rather show similar hazard profiles, resulting in regrettable substitution. This paper investigates the impact of chemicals regulation on substitution of chemicals by analyzing time trends in the industrial use of chemicals from 2000 to 2014 in Scandinavia. It is shown that the use of ten water-relevant SVHCs decreased by about 90% in the considered period in Sweden as compared to a control group of unregulated substances which decreased by only 20%. A closer inspection of the use of 23 highly used plasticizers revealed that the use of regulated phthalate plasticizers decreased while the use of non-phthalate plasticizers increased. A first comparison of hazardous properties showed that during the 15-years period chemical substitution drastically reduced the chemical hazard burden of plasticizers in Scandinavia for both, the environment and human health. This study shows that regulation and the related discussion on chemicals safety have significantly reduced the chemical hazard burden from plasticizers in Scandinavia since the year 2000. It is assumed that similar trends can be found for the whole European Union. To combat regrettable substitution, mitigation options are suggested, including information-based tools for the identification of safer alternatives and an improved accessibility of information on production volumes and uses of chemicals to allow for an improved assessment of chemical's risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Sackmann
- Öko-Institut e.V., Merzhauser Straße 173, 79100 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Reemtsma
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Magnus Rahmberg
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Valhallavägen 81, 114 27 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Dirk Bunke
- Öko-Institut e.V., Merzhauser Straße 173, 79100 Freiburg, Germany.
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Zota AR, Singla V, Adamkiewicz G, Mitro SD, Dodson RE. Reducing chemical exposures at home: opportunities for action. J Epidemiol Community Health 2017; 71:jech-2016-208676. [PMID: 28756396 PMCID: PMC5561392 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2016-208676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Indoor environments can influence human environmental chemical exposures and, ultimately, public health. Furniture, electronics, personal care and cleaning products, floor coverings and other consumer products contain chemicals that can end up in the indoor air and settled dust. Consumer product chemicals such as phthalates, phenols, flame retardants and per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are widely detected in the US general population, including vulnerable populations, and are associated with adverse health effects such as reproductive and endocrine toxicity. We discuss the implications of our recent meta-analysis describing the patterns of chemical exposures and the ubiquity of multiple chemicals in indoor environments. To reduce the likelihood of exposures to these toxic chemicals, we then discuss approaches for exposure mitigation: targeting individual behaviour change, household maintenance and purchasing decisions, consumer advocacy and corporate responsibility in consumer markets, and regulatory action via state/federal policies. There is a need to further develop evidence-based strategies for chemical exposure reduction in each of these areas, given the multi-factorial nature of the problem. Further identifying those at greatest risk; understanding the individual, household and community factors that influence indoor chemical exposures; and developing options for mitigation may substantially improve individuals' exposures and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami R Zota
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Veena Singla
- Health and Environment Program, Natural Resources Defense Council, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susanna D Mitro
- Population Health Sciences Program, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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