Risk assessment methodology / toxicologically-derived limit values

Benchmark dose approach, extrapolation factors, probabilistic health effect assessment, uncertainty, TRD values

Toxicological risk assessments comprise uncertainties, especially when they are based on experimental data. All the more important are scientific plausibility and transparency. Within the framework of national and international research projects, FoBiG is involved in the development of methods for risk assessment. Topics include:

• Application of dose-response modelling in risk assessment (benchmark dose approach)
• Extrapolation of experimental animal data to humans:
  - Application of allometric principles for interspecies extrapolation (German with English summary)
  - Probabilistic methods for effect assessment
  - Quantitative consideration of vulnerable groups (children) in risk assessment (German with English summary)
  
• Methods for the user-friendly assessment of dermal exposure at the workplace
• Methods for the derivation of maximum levels for food contaminants (German with English summary)

These developments are integrated in the improved derivation of limit values:

• TRD values (tolerable absorbed doses) for soil contaminants
• Occupational exposure levels
• Acute exposure guideline levels (AEGL) for substances relevant in the case of hazardous incidents and emergencies
• Limit values for indoor air contaminants

For all issues related to these areas please contact:
Dr. Klaus Schneider or Dr. Fritz Kalberlah