The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has outlined its strategic goals and key areas of regulatory challenges for 2024-2028 under the framework of the Partnership for Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC). This strategy aims to advance chemical safety through science, collaboration, and knowledge, emphasising the protection of human health and the environment. ECHA's updated strategy identifies critical research needs in several key areas, including protection against harmful chemicals, addressing chemical pollution, shifting away from animal testing, and improving the availability of chemical data.
Protection Against Most Harmful Chemicals
ECHA has highlighted significant gaps in identifying and understanding the harmful effects of chemicals on the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems. The agency stresses the need for developing new test methods and understanding toxicological mechanisms to manage risks effectively. Key areas of concern include neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. ECHA calls for focused research to fill these gaps and facilitate regulatory actions.
Addressing Chemical Pollution in the Environment
Chemical pollution is a major driver of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. ECHA emphasises the development of new approach methods (NAMs) for hazard and fate assessment of chemical substances. This includes understanding the sensitivity of non-bee pollinators to biocidal active substances and improving monitoring techniques. Bioaccumulation, a critical factor in environmental toxicity, also requires more detailed study and better regulatory methods.
Shift Away from Animal Testing
ECHA is committed to reducing reliance on animal testing while ensuring that this transition does not compromise human health or environmental protection. The agency advocates for the development and validation of NAMs, such as in vitro and in silico methods, to replace current in vivo tests. This initiative covers various research areas, including read-across methods, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) studies, and models for assessing fish toxicity and carcinogenicity.
Improved Availability of Chemical Data
Effective chemical management in Europe depends on robust and relevant data. ECHA highlights the need for comprehensive information on polymers and nanomaterials. The agency also calls for improved analytical methods to ensure proper assessment of restricted chemicals. These efforts are crucial for making informed regulatory decisions and protecting human health and the environment.
