Title
REACH, non-testing approaches and the urgent need for a change in mind set
Author
Schaafsma, G.
Kroese, E.D.
Tielemans, E.L.J.P.
van de Sandt, J.J.M.
van Leeuwen, C.J.
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven
Publication year
2009
Abstract
The objectives of REACH cannot be achieved under the current risk assessment approach. A change in mind set among all the relevant stakeholders is needed: risk assessment should move away from a labor-intensive and animal-consuming approach to intelligent and pragmatic testing, by combining exposure and hazard data effectively and trying to group chemicals (category approaches). The focus should be on reducing the overall uncertainties of 30,000 chemicals while acknowledging the existence of the uncertainty paradox: reducing uncertainty in the assessment of individual chemicals following the classical chemical-by-chemical approach as we have in previous decades will result in a prolongation of uncertainty for the entire group of 30,000 chemicals as a whole. With the first REACH registration deadline (2010) rapidly approaching, a mind set change is urgently needed. We can speed up the regulatory acceptance process, starting with the maximum use of currently available exposure and hazard data, tools and models. Optimal use should also be made of experimental exposure and hazard data generated under REACH. Only such an approach will make it possible to obtain a sufficient level of information within the time frame of REACH. A much more intensive dialogue between stakeholders is necessary. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Subject
Chemistry
Food and Chemical Risk Analysis
Intelligent testing strategies
Mind set change
Non-testing
REACH
Uncertainty paradox
chemical agent
acute toxicity
animal testing alternative
article
chronic toxicity
cost
drug screening
environmental exposure
hazard assessment
health care policy
human
human tissue
in vivo study
priority journal
process optimization
public opinion
REACH program
reproductive toxicity
risk assessment
skin toxicity
toxicity testing
uncertainty
Animal Testing Alternatives
Animals
Databases, Factual
Environmental Exposure
Europe
Hazardous Substances
Humans
Registries
Risk Assessment
Toxicity Tests
Animalia
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e1861dc6-f726-4272-9074-b1670d2f7566
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2008.11.003
TNO identifier
241403
ISSN
0273-2300
Source
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 53 (1), 70-80
Document type
article