Modernizing Hazard Indicators
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The project aims at the stakeholder dialogue on novel indicators for chemicals assessment within the framework of the Green Deal.
Chemical hazard assessment is a key element of the Green Deal. However, the implementation requires a paradigm shift in three respects. First, high-throughput screening methods are required for thousands of chemicals. Previous methods assess a small number of individual substances. The procedures, while detailed, are slow. On the other hand, there is a transition from individual to comparative assessments of necessary chemicals. And thirdly, there should be a change from animal testing to animal-free methods. While scientific concepts for modern hazard indicators are discussed among experts and case studies show their feasibility and usefulness, there is no dialogue with industry and regulation about the potential and social impact of the proposed paradigm shift. The present project will remedy this and align the development of indicators for risk assessment to the needs of the various target groups. To this end, the Helmholtz team proposes two innovative hazard indicators, known as cumulative toxicity equivalents (CTE) and persistent toxicity equivalents (PTE). Together they replaced existing indicators. They can be measured with high-throughput in vitro bioassays and are not tested on animals.
Contact
Beate Escher: beate.escher@ufz.de
Pia-Johanna Schweizer: pia-johanna.schweizer@rifs-potsdam.de
Sina Leipold: sina.leipold@ufz.de