Study proposes a preliminary physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model for micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); polymer type, size, shape, surface chemistry, surface biofilms, and biocorona determine toxicokinetic rates; models for engineered nanoparticles are not appropriate due to heterogeneity of MNPs; uptake via inhalation and effects of absorbed chemicals need more investigation
FCM-relevant AOP research
Scientists explore adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) associated with bisphenols, phthalates, perchlorate, food additives, microplastics; discuss ways of using AOPs to predict chemical hazards, assess mixture toxicity
FDA colloquium on in silico methods
Society of Toxicology and U.S. Food and Drug Administration host event on in silico testing methods; presentations focus on drivers for acceptance and treatment of uncertainties
JRC: 2018 report on alternatives to animal testing
Joint Research Centre publishes annual 2018 report on ‘recent achievements and future plans’ in the field of development and regulatory acceptance of alternative approaches to animal testing
Testing for developmental neurotoxicity
Special issue of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology features 18 articles discussing alternative (non-animal) methods for assessing chemicals’ potential to harm neurodevelopment in children
FPF Webinar on prioritizing potential genotoxics in FCMs
Register now for the Food Packaging Forum’s webinar on prioritization of potentially genotoxic substances in printed paper and board food contact materials, to be held on November 26, 2018
Mechanistic data in hazard assessment
Academic and industry scientists debate whether use of mechanistic data in regulatory hazard assessment of chemicals should be decisive or supportive only, discuss study selection process for systematic reviews
Computational method outperforms animal tests
Predictions of acute health hazards by ‘data fusion’ read-across structure activity relationship (RASAR) modeling reported to be more reproducible than animal testing data
Performance of in silico models for mutagenicity
Scientists evaluate performance of 4 in silico models to predict mutagenicity of food contact chemicals; applicability domain important, sensitivity for new substances poor
Alternative toxicity testing in the U.S.
U.S. EPA publishes draft strategy for use of alternative toxicity tests in evaluation of chemicals under updated chemicals regulation