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Two maps and a knowledge hub to minimise risks to human health and the environment

Three valuable tools are now available to promote next-generation risk assessment.

The EU-funded PARC(opens in new window) project is taking steps to improve Europe’s scientific infrastructure with two new launches and an update. The tools in question are an expanded interactive map of human biomonitoring labs, a new map of labs specialising in air quality analysis, and a new knowledge sharing portal for the safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) community.

Putting health and air quality on the map

PARC has updated its map of human biomonitoring labs(opens in new window) to include newcomers to the network. The map now goes into greater detail about the chemical substances analysed by each laboratory and the human matrices involved, such as hair, blood, urine, nails, saliva and breast milk. It also includes direct access to contact details. Additionally, the project has launched a map of labs analysing air quality(opens in new window). Users can search for labs by region and explore the specific substances analysed in particle or gas phase, covering both indoor and outdoor air pollutants. Open to scientists, authorities and the general public, the two tools offer better access to information, support high-quality monitoring across Europe and promote collaboration among institutions monitoring chemical exposures. They also bring PARC closer to its goal of creating a Network of European Laboratory Networks. “Both maps are part of PARC’s broader strategy to build expert networks, harmonise methodologies, and uphold high-quality standards in human and environmental analysis,” explains a recent news item(opens in new window) posted on the PARC website. “Looking ahead, PARC plans to introduce additional interactive maps covering laboratories working on water, (eco)toxicology, soil, biota, food and feed, and articles/consumer products. These future tools will contribute to a more comprehensive European surveillance network for human and environmental exposures.”

Furthering safe and sustainable innovation

PARC partners have also created a portal(opens in new window) that offers support and opportunities for collaboration with the SSbD community. Helping to steer the innovation process towards green and sustainable materials and chemicals, the portal provides access to important announcements on SSbD and tools to help implement SSbD principles, as well as teaching and training materials to build knowledge and expertise. It also has a dedicated space for knowledge exchange among stakeholders. The new knowledge hub is primarily aimed at research experts, local authorities, politicians and environmental NGOs, supporting efforts to systematically consider sustainability and safety in the early development phase of chemicals and materials. However, it can also be accessed by ordinary citizens interested in learning about the SSbD approach. The PARC (Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals) project’s SSbD portal will help minimise potential risks to people and the environment before the introduction of new chemicals and materials to the market. Doris Völker of project partner German environmental agency UBA states in another PARC news item(opens in new window): “It’s a platform created with the community, for the community and we believe that the portal is just the beginning. Its real value will come from active engagement – the more users share, contribute, and connect, the stronger the SSbD community will become.” For more information, please see: PARC project website(opens in new window)

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