An approach to identify, prioritise and provide regulatory follow-up actions for new or emerging risks of chemicals for workers, consumers and the environment

This paper illustrates a comprehensive and systematic approach for the identification of new or emerging risks of chemicals (NERCs) for workers, consumers and the environment. The methodology illustrated here is composed of three steps: 1) signal identification; 2) signal evaluation and prioritisation and when necessary; 3) assessing follow-up actions for further risk management measures. During signal identification, new information with regard to adverse effects induced by the potential NERC is gathered using various information sources. Based on collected additional information, the causality between chemical exposure and the adverse effect is evaluated and prioritised. Finally, for those NERCs where there is sufficient proof of the causality with an adverse effect or the need for action, an analysis of possible appropriate regulatory risk management options is made. With this approach, NERCs can be efficiently identified with timely recommendations of follow-up steps, to reduce or eliminate the risk of the substance.