ECHA Updates Research Needs for Regulation of Hazardous Chemicals

On 12 June 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published an updated report identifying key areas where further scientific research is needed to improve the regulation of hazardous chemicals in the EU. This update provides a more detailed insight into the areas of research needed to better protect human health and the environment.

Key Research Areas Highlighted

In 2023, ECHA presented its key research needs in line with the EU's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). Key areas where more scientific research is needed include:

• Protection Against Harmful Chemicals: Focus on neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity and endocrine disruption.

• Managing Chemical Pollution: Research on bioaccumulation, sensitivity of non-bee pollinators to biocides, and new methods for monitoring environmental chemicals.

• Moving Away from Animal Testing: Development of alternative methods such as read-across, new approach methodologies (NAMs), in vitro/in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME), and new models for fish toxicity and carcinogenicity.

• Improving the Availability of Chemical Data: Improving knowledge of polymers, micro- and nano-sized materials, and developing new analytical methods for regulatory enforcement.

Focus on Sustainability and New Research Approaches

In line with the EU's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), ECHA's updated report highlights significant regulatory challenges that require innovative solutions. Dr. Sharon McGuinness, ECHA’s Executive Director, expressed the hope that the research community will actively engage with these outlined needs, which also support the Agency's Strategy Statement 2024-2028. This initiative is part of ECHA’s broader role within the Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals (PARC), which aims to advance research and improving chemical safety assessments across Europe.

The full text of the report can be found here.