An academic researcher's guide to increased impact on regulatory assessment of chemicals. Issue 5 (28th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ågerstrand, Marlene; Sobek, Anna; Lilja, Karl; Linderoth, Maria; Wendt-Rasch, Lina; Wernersson, Ann-Sofie; Rudén, Christina
• Is Part Of: Environmental science. Volume 19:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 644
• Page End: 655
• Publication Date: 2017-04-28
• Subjects: Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Biological monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental chemistry -- Periodicals; 363.7363
• DOI: 10.1039/c7em00075h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7887

Abstract

Abstract : This paper proposes a set of actions to increase the usability of research data in chemical assessments. Abstract : The interactions between academic research and regulatory assessment of chemicals may in theory seem straightforward: researchers perform studies, and these studies are used by regulators for decision-making. However, in practice the situation is more complex, and many factors decide a research study's regulatory use. According to several EU chemical legislations, all available and relevant studies can be used in hazard and risk assessment of chemicals. However, in practice, standard tests conducted under GLP and sponsored and provided by industry are predominantly used. Peer-reviewed studies from independent sources are often disregarded or disputed since they often do not comply with regulatory data requirements and quality criteria. To help bridge such a gap, the aim of this paper is to give an overview of the general workings of legislation of chemicals and propose a set of actions to increase the usability of research data. In the end, this may increase the use of academic research for decision-making and ultimately result in more science-based policies. From a policy perspective, useful scientific evidence comprises those studies that are sufficiently reliable and relevant. This is not in contradiction to the aims of research and generally accepted scientific standards.