Future of Risk Assessment in Toxicology

Researcher’s Chronicle |  Antero Silva, is a post-doctoral researcher in the field of Toxicology, focusing on Risk Assessment of chemicals and chemical mixtures. As a toxicologist at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) at the Karolinska Institutet university in Stockholm, Sweden, he has developed cutting-edge research using dose benchmark models (BMD) to characterize the risks to human health after exposure to chemicals and their mixtures. In this article, he reflects on the challenges and advances of risk modeling, as well as on the importance of scientific communication.

This project is an example of how scientific research can not only deepen our knowledge about chemical risks, but also contribute to the creation of safer public policies.

The Power of Modeling Benchmark Dose

BMD modelling has emerged as a robust technique in modern toxicology. Unlike other more conventional approaches, the BMD allows you to determine a reference point (RfD) where a specific dose or concentration of a substance begins to produce an adverse effect. This approach is particularly useful in the evaluation of complex chemical mixtures, such as those containing substances such as PFAS, PCBs, phthalates and bisphenols - compounds that are the focus of this investigation.

One of the great challenges in evaluating chemical mixtures is the difficulty in predicting how different substances interact and what their combined effects are. For example, what percentage of changes in levels of the hormone T3, or levels of antibodies against diphtheria, from which PFAS begin to impact human health? This research has focused precisely on that: how to determine the interactions between compounds and what are safe exposure limits for humans.

Scientific communication and professional involvement

In addition to research work, there is an important component of scientific communication, a crucial area for the dissemination of knowledge within and outside the academic environment. He was recently awarded the "People’s Choice" award by the American Society of Toxicology, and has been a moderator and speaker at international conferences in the field of Toxicology. In addition to communication with other researchers and the general public, it has also contributed to the training of young people who are starting in research.

The Future of Toxicology and Risk Assessment

His work points to a future in which toxicology will continue to evolve, incorporating new modelling tools that will allow a more accurate risk assessment and adapted to the challenges of the 21st century. The use of BMD modelling, in particular, will be essential for the development of new drugs, allowing to identify adverse effects at very low doses, as well as for the regulation of chemicals in the environment and on the market.

Karolinska Institutet

This project is an example of how scientific research can not only deepen our knowledge about chemical risks, but also contribute to the creation of safer public policies. As science advances, the responsibility of toxicologists to ensure that chemical risk communication is clear and understood by policy makers, industry and the general public also increases.

Antero Silva is at the forefront of this movement, using his expertise in both laboratory and scientific communication to ensure that toxicology contributes to a world where chemicals used and traded are safer.

References

Vieira Silva, A., Ringblom, J., Lindh, C., Scott, K., Jakobsson, K., & Oberg, M. (2020). A Probabilistic Approach to Evaluate the Risk of Decreased Total Triiodothyronine Hormone Levels following Chronic Exposure to PFOS and PFHxS via Contaminated Drinking Water. Environ Health Perspect, 128(7), 76001. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6654

Vieira Silva, A., Chu, I., Feeley, M., Bergman, A., Hakansson, H., & Oberg, M. (2022). Dose-dependent toxicological effects in rats following a 90-day dietary exposure to PCB-156 include retinoid disruption. Reprod Toxicol, 107, 123-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.09.012

Vieira da Silva A., Brunken L., Öberg M. (manuscrito). Selection of the Critical Effect Size alters hazard characterization – a retrospective analysis of European PFAS risk assessments.

de Oliveira Galvão, M. F., Scaramboni, C., Ünlü Endirlik, B., Vieira Silva, A., Öberg, M., Pozza, S. A., Dreij, K. (2024). Application of an in vitro new approach methodology to determine relative cancer potency factors of air pollutants based on whole mixtures. Environment International, 190, 108942. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108942

Recent Publications

Information about the researcher at the university page