Found 81 publications. Showing page 4 of 4:
2023
Nanomaterial grouping: Existing approaches and future recommendations
The physico-chemical properties of manufactured nanomaterials (NMs) can be fine-tuned to obtain different functionalities addressing the needs of specific industrial applications. The physico-chemical properties of NMs also drive their biological interactions. Accordingly, each NM requires an adequate physico-chemical characterization and potentially an extensive and time-consuming (eco)toxicological assessment, depending on regulatory requirements. Grouping and read-across approaches, which have already been established for chemicals in general, are based on similarity between substances and can be used to fill data gaps without performing additional testing. Available data on “source” chemicals are thus used to predict the fate, toxicokinetics and/or (eco)toxicity of structurally similar “target” chemical(s). For NMs similar approaches are only beginning to emerge and several challenges remain, including the identification of the most relevant physico-chemical properties for supporting the claim of similarity. In general, NMs require additional parameters for a proper physico-chemical description. Furthermore, some parameters change during a NM's life cycle, suggesting that also the toxicological profile may change.
This paper compares existing concepts for NM grouping, considering their underlying basic principles and criteria as well as their applicability for regulatory and other purposes. Perspectives and recommendations based on experiences obtained during the EU Horizon 2020 project NanoReg2 are presented. These include, for instance, the importance of harmonized data storage systems, the application of harmonized scoring systems for comparing biological responses, and the use of high-throughput and other screening approaches. We also include references to other ongoing EU projects addressing some of these challenges.
2019
DNA damage and repair activity are often assessed in blood samples from humans in different types of molecular epidemiology studies. However, it is not always feasible to analyse the s#38les on the day of collection without any type of storage. For instance, certain studies use repeated sampling of cells from the same subject or samples from different subjects collected at different time-points, and it is desirable to analyse all these samples in the same comet assay experiment. In addition, flawless comet assay analyses on frozen samples opens up for the possibility of using this technique on biobank material. In this article we discuss the use of cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), buffy coat (BC) and whole blood (WB) for analysis of DNA damage and repair using the comet assay. The published literature and the authors’ experiences indicate that various types of blood samples can be cryopreserved with only minor effect on the basal level of DNA damage. There is evidence to suggest that WB and PBMCs can be cryopreserved for several years without much effect on the level of DNA damage. However, care should be taken when cryopreserving WB and BCs. It is possible to use either fresh or frozen samples of blood cells, but results from fresh and frozen cells should not be used in the same dataset. The article outlines detailed protocols for the cryopreservation of PBMCs, BCs and WB samples.
2021
Integrating Solar Energy and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Neutral Urban Environments
This study focuses on achieving climate neutrality in European cities by integrating solar energy technologies and nature-based solutions. Through an examination of current practices, emerging trends, and case examples, the study explores the benefits, challenges, and prospects associated with this integration in urban contexts. A pioneering approach is presented to assess the urban heat and climate change mitigation benefits of combining building-integrated photovoltaics and nature-based solutions within the European context. The results highlight the synergistic relationship between nature-based components and solar conversion technology, identifying effective combinations for different climatic zones. In Southern Europe, strategies such as rooftop photovoltaics on cool roofs, photovoltaic shadings, green walls, and urban trees have demonstrated effectiveness in warmer regions. Conversely, mid- and high-latitude European cities have seen positive impacts through the integration of rooftop photovoltaics and photovoltaic facades with green roofs and green spaces. As solar cell conversion efficiency improves, the environmental impact of photovoltaics is expected to decrease, facilitating their integration into urban environments. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating water bodies, cool pavements, spaces with high sky-view factors, and effective planning in urban design to maximize resilience benefits. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of prioritizing mitigation actions in low-income regions and engaging citizens in the development of social photovoltaics-positive energy houses, resilient neighbourhoods, and green spaces. By adopting these recommendations, European cities can create climate-neutral urban environments that prioritize clean energy, nature-based solutions, and the overall wellbeing of residents. The findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach combining technological innovation, urban planning strategies, and policy frameworks to effectively achieve climate neutrality.
2023
Pioneering an effect-based early warning system for hazardous chemicals in the environment
Existing regulatory frameworks often prove inadequate in promptly identifying contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and determining their impacts on biological systems at an early stage. The establishment of Early Warning Systems (EWSs) for CECs is becoming increasingly relevant for policy-making, aiming to proactively detect chemical hazards and implement effective mitigation measures. Effect-based methodologies, including bioassays and effect-directed analysis (EDA), offer valuable input to EWSs by pinpointing the relevant toxicity drivers and prioritizing the associated risks. This review evaluates the analytical techniques currently available to assess biological effects, and provides a structured plan for their systematic integration into an EWS for hazardous chemicals in the environment. Key scientific advancements in effect-based approaches and EDA are discussed, underscoring their potential for early detection and management of chemical hazards. Additionally, critical challenges such as data integration and regulatory alignment are addressed, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement of the EWS and the incorporation of analytical advancements to safeguard environmental and public health from emerging chemical threats.
2024
2022
Troll observing network – for useful new data about Antarctica
What do Antarctic petrels in Svarthamaren, soil structure movements at Troll research station and ocean chemistry in the Håkon VII Sea have in common? They will all be studied at the Troll observing network currently being established at Troll research station in Dronning Maud Land in Antarctica.
2023
VKM has performed a risk-benefit assessment of sunscreen use and six UV filters. This task
was undertaken on the initiative of a VKM Panel in response to the apparent paradox
between the need for protective measures, such as use of sunscreens, to reduce Norway’s
high incidence and mortality of skin cancer and a consumer concern for the safety of
sunscreens. Concerns include safety of ingredients and sunscreens’ effect on vitamin D
synthesis. Sunscreen products are legally regulated as cosmetic products in the EU, and only
approved UV filters up to a maximum determined concentration are allowed in the ready-foruse preparation.
VKM used a systematic approach to assess risks and benefits of sunscreen use and risks of
six selected UV filters: bis-ethyl-hexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT), butyl
methoxydibenzoyl methane (BMDBM), 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS), ethylhexyl triazone
(EHT), octocrylene (OC), and titanium dioxide in nanoform (NP-TiO2). These UV filters are
among the most frequently used in sunscreens on the Norwegian market. Sunscreen sprays
and lip products were not included. Scientific publications and reports up to 2020 were
retrieved to assess adverse and protective effects of sunscreen and adverse effects of UV
filters. We assessed risk of bias in the studies and evidence for health outcomes with the aid
of validity tools, and estimated exposure to each UV filter using probabilistic methods.
The evidence showed that sunscreens were beneficial in protecting against certain skin
cancers. Insufficient evidence precluded determination of the hazard associated with
sunscreen use.
The UV filters occurred in concentrations similar to or below the limits set in the EU
cosmetics regulative. VKM considered that little to no hazard was associated with use of the
six evaluated UV filters.
VKM concludes that the risks related to use of the six evaluated UV filters are negligible since
the real-life use of these UV filters is several-fold lower than the amounts that may cause
any adverse health effect. The evidence for harmful health effects of sunscreens is
insufficient to determine risk. Sunscreen use protects against certain skin cancers and is
beneficial for the general Norwegian population.
2022