Chemical risk analysis competence in the Nordics is at stake

Abstract

Toxicology-related experts are on a daily basis working with the safety assessment of chemicals for human health and the environment, providing knowledge applied for management and regulation of chemicals. The field of toxicology is undergoing continuous transition away from traditional safety evaluation studies in experimental animals to application of new approach methodologies (NAMs), the use of omics-related technologies, and concepts like next-generation risk assessment. This requires expertise in the new technologies but does not dismiss the need of knowledge for interpretation of in vivo studies and full understanding of chemical exposure data. A survey was initiated in 2022 in the Nordic countries to assess current and future needs for competences in risk analysis. In total, 40 replies were received from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, while an expert assessment was performed in Iceland. The responses primarily (87.5%) came from national authorities, research institutes, industry/business, and consultants, less from the hospital system, NGOs, and others. The survey shows obvious difficulties in finding competent and trained personnel in all areas in risk analysis. Since the individual Nordic countries lack critical mass, a Nordic initiative for training and education is recommended to counteract loss of competences within chemical risk analysis in the future.