Application of AOPs to assist regulatory assessment of chemical risks – Case studies, needs and recommendations

While human regulatory risk assessment (RA) still largely relies on animal studies, new approach methodologies (NAMs) based on in vitro, in silico or non-mammalian alternative models are increasingly used to evaluate chemical hazards. Moreover, human epidemiological studies with biomarkers of effect (BoE) also play an invaluable role in...

Integrating dispersion modelling and experimental approach to optimize indoor/outdoor detection of airborne agents. Mimicking the exposure of an infrastructure - JRC Technical report

The overarching objective of the ERNCIP “Detection of Indoor Airborne Chemical & Biological Agents” Thematic Group (TG) is to strengthen resilience of critical infrastructure against airborne CB threats by improvement of detection capabilities. The subsidiary aim of the research described in this technical report is to develop knowledge on the...

Health Risk Assessment of Ortho-Toluidine Utilising Human Biomonitoring Data of Workers and the General Population

The aim of this work was to demonstrate how human biomonitoring (HBM) data can be used to assess cancer risks for workers and the general population. Ortho-toluidine, OT (CAS 95-53-4) is an aniline derivative which is an animal and human carcinogen and may cause methemoglobinemia. OT is used as a curing agent in epoxy resins and as intermediate...

Neighbourhood and path-based greenspace in three European countries: associations with objective physical activity

Background: Greenspace has been associated with health benefits in many contexts. An important pathway may be through outdoor physical activity. We use a novel approach to examine the link between greenspace microenvironments and outdoor physical activity levels in the HEALS study conducted in Edinburgh (UK), the Netherlands, and Athens and...

Challenges on detection, identification and monitoring of indoor airborne chemical-biological agents

Potential chemical and biological (CB) attacks in indoor spaces pose specific challenges for prevention and preparedness. This paper summarises the conclusions obtained from the work conducted in the framework of the ERNCIP1. A thorough review of the existing and emerging technologies for CB detection, coupled with simulations of CB airborne...

Urban greenspace and the indoor environment: Pathways to health via indoor particulate matter, noise, and road noise annoyance

Background/Aim: The exposome includes urban greenspace, which may affect health via a complex set of pathways, including reducing exposure to particulate matter (PM) and noise. We assessed these pathways using indoor exposure monitoring data from the HEALS study in four European urban areas (Edinburgh, UK; Utrecht, Netherlands; Athens and...

How sensors might help define the external exposome

The advent of the exposome concept, the advancement of mobile technology, sensors, and the “internet of things” bring exciting opportunities to exposure science. Smartphone apps, wireless devices, the downsizing of monitoring technologies, along with lower costs for such equipment makes it possible for various aspects of exposure to be measured...