Helsinki, 15 November 2023 – To further improve chemical safety in the EU, scientific research needs to deliver data that is relevant to regulating chemicals. In order to enhance the regulatory relevance of scientific data, ECHA has identified the following areas as priorities for research.
Hazard identification for critical biological effects that currently lack specific and sensitive test methods: i.e. developmental and adult neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity and endocrine disruption
Chemical pollution in the natural environment (bioaccumulation, impact on biodiversity, exposure assessment);
Shift away from animal testing (read across under REACH, move away from fish testing, mechanistic support to toxicology studies e.g. carcinogenicity)
New information on chemicals (polymers, nanomaterials, analytical methods in support of enforcement)
Mike Rasenberg, ECHA Director of Hazard Assessment says:
| “ECHA believes that to achieve the ambitions of the European Green Deal and the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability we need more scientific research with regulatory relevance. “There is a growing need for new test methods that do not rely on animals, and a better understanding of the toxicological mode of action of certain hazardous chemicals. Generating the necessary data without animal testing while protecting health and the environment, cannot be achieved without scientific progress. “We encourage the scientific community to take this opportunity and work with us to contribute to a safer Europe.” |
Background
The European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), is a seven-year EU-wide research and innovation programme under Horizon Europe which aims to advance research, share knowledge and improve skills in chemical risk assessment.
ECHA’s role in PARC is to make sure that the funded scientific research addresses current challenges related to chemical risk assessment and adds value to the EU’s regulatory processes.
The key areas of regulatory challenge report can be seen as an evolving research and development agenda aiming to support and inspire the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) and the wider research community. The list of research needs is not exhaustive. The next update to the report is expected in spring 2024.
Further Information
Source: European Chemicals Agency
For any article that states "Source: European Chemicals Agency" , ECHA accepts no responsibility and/or liability for any use made of the information, documents or data.
