Assessment of Mixtures - Review of Regulatory Requirements and Guidance

Abstract

Humans and the environment are continuously exposed to a multitude of substances via different routes of exposure. However, the risk assessment of chemicals for regulatory purposes does not generally take into account the “real life” exposure to multiple substances, but mainly relies on the assessment of individual compounds. This report summarizes the different methodologies that are used to assess the toxic effects of mixtures (Chapter 1). It also provides an overview of current legislation in the EU that deals with the safety assessment of chemicals in different matrices and whether, and if so to what extent, the current legislation addresses the toxicological risk of mixtures (Chapter 2). Relevant Guidance Documents from the EU and other countries (USA, Canada) and international organisations (such as the WHO or the OECD) are also included in the review (Chapter 3).