Humans are exposed to thousands of chemicals from the environment, diet, drugs and consumer products with potentially adverse influences on human health. At present, human risk assessment relies on animal studies and an empirical one-by-one approach to identifying and characterizing risks. This approach is costly in terms of time, money and animals, and it is far too limited in scope for the innovations of modern industry and the complexities of multiple exposures. In addition, there is increasing public reluctance to accept continued reliance on animal tests, and increased demands on risk assessors due to new chemical safety legislation.
Risk assessment is undergoing a paradigm shift with the development of new powerful and rapid systems-wide approaches, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, molecular dosimetry, and computational biology. Based on these tools, the emerging Systems Toxicology paradigm relies more on in vitro and computational data, and changes the focus from empirical endpoints to modes of action and life stages. It also offers the potential to better define real human exposures to potentially harmful chemicals. However, the critical gap between these data and regulatory human risk assessment has not yet been bridged, and there are no harmonized global standards. It is therefore of vital importance to promote dialogue between basic scientists and experts in risk assessment and regulations, to clarify the needs, potential, and limitations of the Systems Toxicology approach.
For further information visit:
http://systox2013.ch/
LOCATION
Centro Stefano Franscini
Ascona, Switzerland
