Abstract: The rate of translocation of ingested nanoparticles (NPs) and how the uptake is affected by a food matrix are key aspects of health risk assessment. In this study, female Sprague Dawley rats (N=4/group) received 0, 1.4, or 13 mg of cerium oxide (CeO2 NM-212) NPs/rat/day by gavage or in a chocolate spread snack 5 days/week for 1 or 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of recovery. A dose and time-dependent uptake in the liver and spleen of 0.1–0.3 and 0.004–0.005 parts per million (ng/mg) of the total administered dose was found, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in cerium concentration in the liver or spleen after gavage compared to snack dosing. Microscopy revealed indications of necrotic changes in the liver and decreased cellularity in white pulp in the spleen. The snack provided precise administration and a more human-relevant exposure of NPs and could improve animal welfare as alternative to gavage.   read more...   read less

Abstract: Current approaches for the assessment of environmental and human health risks due to exposure to chemical substances have served their purpose reasonably well so far. Nevertheless, the assessment systems in place for different chemical regulations are faced with several challenges, ranging from a growing number of chemicals to changes in the types of chemicals and materials produced. This has triggered awareness of the need for a paradigm shift, notably appearing in the CSS, requiring new concepts for chemical risk assessment. As a result, new approach methods (NAM) and next-generation risk assessment (NGRA) are generally regarded as the way forward. However, incorporating new scientific insights and innovative approaches into hazard assessment in such a way that regulatory needs are adequately met has appeared to be challenging. The European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) has been designed to address various challenges associated with innovating chemical risk assessment. Its overall goal is to consolidate and strengthen the European research and innovation capacity for chemical risk assessment to protect human health and the environment. With around 200 participating organisations from all over Europe, including three European agencies, and a total budget of over 400 million euro, PARC is one of the largest projects of its kind. It has a duration of seven years and is coordinated by ANSES, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety. The WP hazard assessment focusses on closing data gaps for substances where data are lacking, development of new approach methods as well as increasing their regulatory robustness.   read more...   read less