PARC WP5 & WP6 meet in Berlin

KWR in PARC

PARC stands for the European Partnership for the Assessment of Chemicals and it brings together 28 countries in 9 work packages. PARC focuses on the development of next-generation chemical risk assessment to protect human health and the environment. It supports the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the ‘Zero pollution’ ambition of the European Green Deal with new measurement data, knowledge, methods and tools, expertise and networks. WP5 focuses on the assessment of the hazards of chemicals and WP6 on innovations in risk assessment. KWR is working in WP6 on the development of an integrated approach for testing and assessment of chemicals (IATA), aggregate exposure and modelling the behaviour of substances in the body on the basis of the physiological properties of chemicals (physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling).

Outcome of the meeting

In addition to an update on progress, there were plenty of opportunities for the discussion of a range of topics. It emerged that there is considerable overlap between WP5 and WP6 and that good coordination is needed to ensure optimal alignment. Discussions in smaller groups focused on different biological effects (such as endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity), specific chemical groups (such as PFAS, Bisphenol A and alternatives and mycotoxins), how to work with new approach methodologies for hazard assessment (NAM) and different aspects of risk assessment. In addition, there was input from authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) because it is essential to get these stakeholders involved from the beginning.