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Risk Assessment

Wageningen University
1 week
1,5 ECTS
Tuition fees

Aim of the course

Toxicological risk assessment is the process of estimating the qualitative and quantitative health risks posed to man and the environment by the use of chemicals. The aim of this course is to familiarise participants with the general procedures followed during a toxicological risk assessment. Emphasis will be laid on the identification of hazards and risk posed to humans and the environment. Furthermore, attention will be paid to problems typical of various categories of chemical substances. The working format of the course is a mixture of classroom lectures and tutorials and computer-aided practicals.

The course consists of lectures and tutorials during which the consecutive steps of a risk assessment will be dealt with.
It is assumed that participants have pre-knowledge of the general principles of toxicology, as is e.g. presented in the course on General Toxicology. During classroom meetings, a number of specific groups of chemicals and practical situations will be dealt with, such as medicines, industrial chemicals, household chemicals, crop protection agents and food additives. Here too, health effects for humans as well as for the environment will be treated. Participants will handle and present a specific case study.

List of subjects

  • General aspects of toxicological risk assessment
  • Risk assessment in the environment
  • Risk assessment of crop protection agents
  • Risk assessment of industrial chemicals
  • Risk assessment of food, food components and food additives
  • Risk assessment of drugs
  • Risk assessment of cosmetics
  • Risk assessment of household chemicals
  • Models on risk in consumer exposure
  • Case studies on specific chemicals

Further study material: “Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction” by C.J. van Leeuwen and T.G. Vermeire (eds), Springer for R&D, ISBN 978-90-481-7536-9 softcover, also available as hardcover and eBook)

On successful completion of the module, participants should:

  • have acquired general knowledge and understanding of the methods and procedures used in environmental and human health risk assessment and the interpretation of toxicological data that form the basis of a risk assessment;
  • have acquired insight in how to perform risk assessments in specific areas of chemical applications;
  • have insight in computer models for estimating exposure and risk;
  • have shown to be able to handle a case study on a risk assessment and to communicate this to fellow-participants.

Coordinator: Dr. Hans Bouwmeester

Examination
Participants will be required to actively take part in the discussions during the course. They will also be judged on the handling and presentation of a case study and by the result of a concise exam at the end of the course.

Please note that the course can be cancelled up to one month before its starting date, when the number of applications is below the minimum required. For general inquiries please contact the PET Office.

Risk Communication and Perception
Pharmaceutical Toxicology