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Exploring novel ways of using SSD to establish PNECs for industrial chemicals
Environmental Sciences Manager Malyka Galay Burgos
Background
An ECETOC workshop on "Probabilistic Approaches for Marine Hazard Assessment" was held in Oslo, June 2008. The main outcomes are documented in ECETOC Workshop Report No. 15 (Dec, 2008). The report made a number of recommendations on future research requirements, including the need for statistical guidance and communication as well as a recommendation to evaluate a number of approaches that may have the potential to improve the estimation of SSDs(species sensitivity distributions). An ECETOC task force was formed to address some of these considerations. In parallel, Unilever initiated an initial exploration of the ICE (Interspecies Correlation Estimation) method in collaboration with Andy Hart of FERA and Peter Craig of Durham University.
Goals
- Methodology for estimating HC5 including confidence limits, based on moderate number of tested species, which is scientifically supported and also comprehensible and acceptable to regulators. It is conceivable that more than one methodology may be required depending on circumstances, for example the number of species for which relevant test data are available.
- Clearly-defined and practical calculations for HC5 estimates and PNECs.
- Longer-term: to influence the TGD/REACH and similar non-European processes themselves.
An underlying principle of this proposal is to deliver methods which will be usable and useful in practical regulation. This does not preclude the investigation of wider scientific and statistical issues in so far as they may have implications for practice.