Tools and perspectives for assessing chemical mixtures and multiple stressors

Toxicology. 2013 Nov 16;313(2-3):73-82. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2012.11.009. Epub 2012 Dec 10.

Abstract

The present paper summarizes the most important insights and findings of the EU NoMiracle project with a focus on (1) risk assessment of chemical mixtures, (2) combinations of chemical and natural stressors, and (3) the receptor-oriented approach in cumulative risk assessment. The project aimed at integration of methods for human and ecological risk assessment. A mechanistically based model, considering uptake and toxicity as a processes in time, has demonstrated considerable potential for predicting mixture effects in ecotoxicology, but requires the measurement of toxicity endpoints at different moments in time. Within a novel framework for risk assessment of chemical mixtures, the importance of environmental factors on toxicokinetic processes is highlighted. A new paradigm for applying personal characteristics that determine individual exposure and sensitivity in human risk assessment is suggested. The results are discussed in the light of recent developments in risk assessment of mixtures and multiple stressors.

Keywords: Chemical mixtures; Cumulative risk assessment; Dynamic energy budget; Natural stressors; NoMiracle; Toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Complex Mixtures* / chemistry
  • Complex Mixtures* / toxicity
  • Endpoint Determination
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis
  • Environmental Pollutants* / chemistry
  • Environmental Pollutants* / toxicity
  • Europe
  • Government Regulation
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Risk Assessment / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Risk Assessment / methods
  • Toxicity Tests / methods*
  • United States

Substances

  • Complex Mixtures
  • Environmental Pollutants