ECHA identifies research requirements for regulating hazardous chemicals

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a new report on ‘Key areas of regulatory challenge 2023’ that identifies areas where research is needed to protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals. It also highlights where new methods, that support the shift away from animal testing, are needed. 

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. 

CONTINUE READING ON: echa.europa.eu