Exposure to chemicals needs an approach that allows it to be analysed in an integrated way, since an individual’s contact with a chemical can occur from multiple sources and routes of exposure. To respond to this need, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has just published the ‘Roadmap for action for advancing aggregate exposure to chemicals in the EU’, a document that has the collaboration of the NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH).
The roadmap (which can be consulted in the EFSA Journal) was commissioned in 2023 by a consortium led by Creme Global and of which NOVA NSPH is a member, with researchers from various areas, in a joint effort that brings together various specialities in favour of more and better health for all.
This document aims to develop a transversal methodology and supporting data flows for an aggregated assessment of exposure to chemical products, as well as stabilising physiologically-based frameworks, guidelines and kinetic models for reconstructing exposure. The creation of collaborative initiatives with other European Union agencies, Member States and international organisations involved in chemical risk assessment is also another of the roadmap’s objectives.
The roadmap was developed by carrying out data collection activities. The team identified the specific priorities of EFSA and its partners in determining the needs for aggregate exposure assessment to be carried out effectively.
Chemical risk assessments have historically centred on a single route of exposure occurring through a particular source. However, an individual’s exposure to a chemical can occur from multiple sources and exposure routes, since a chemical can be present in different environmental compartments (air, soil, water), food and consumer products. Determining exposure with these assumptions is called aggregate exposure and its estimation is important since it is the aggregate dose that determines the effects of a chemical. Aggregate exposure can be estimated by exposure models or human biomonitoring (HBM) data.
EFSA is focussing on dietary exposure, although it is hoped that this work will make it possible to gather information on non-food sources of exposure – information that is especially useful in the context of the European Union’s chemicals strategy, which aims for a ‘one substance – one assessment’ approach. EFSA wants all its partners to contribute more information on aggregate exposure and affected populations by 2030, using exposure modelling and HBM data.