Research in toxicology
What it's about
For its scientific risk assessment, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment requires knowledge about the properties, mechanisms of action and functionality of substances.
Our tasks
A scientific risk assessment requires knowledge of the properties and mechanisms of action of individual substances and, subsequently, of substance mixtures.
The research conducted by the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment consists of laboratory-based molecular biology and cell biology methods, as well as non-laboratory-based scientific approaches (e. g. scientific evaluation of health-related human data; in-silico modelling) and animal research approaches to elucidate the toxicological mechanisms of action of ingredients and contaminants in food and feed as well as in chemicals, pesticides and consumer products.
The further development of test methods and strategies (in vitro, in silico) for identifying the toxicological potential of substances as an alternative method in line with the 3R concept is a key area of BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment's toxicological research.
Topic areas
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Research on nanomaterials
Nanomaterials are used in many areas of daily life. In order to obtain a reliable database for assessing health risks posed by nanomaterials, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is involved in numerous research projects and is initiating various research projects of its own.
Research on toxic substances in consumer goods, cosmetic products and tobacco
There is a need for research in the field of product safety, both in the analytical and in the toxicological area.
Research on the use of QSAR in chemical assessment
As part of the authorisation procedure for chemicals and other toxicologically relevant substances, extensive toxicological testing is required.
Forschung zumResearch on the use of gene and protein expression analyses in risk assessment
Gene expression analyses enable meaningful information on the toxicity mechanisms of substances to be obtained quickly and the number of stressful animal studies to be reduced.
Research for safety factors deduction
The aim of the health risk assessment of chemical substances is to minimise or eliminate potential hazards by setting reasonable limits for .
Research on the biofunctionality and safety of food
Modern molecular biological and cellular methods are being developed for health assessments, for example of novel foods and new food additives.
Research on contaminants in food and feed
Food and feed may contain contaminants. In order to assess these contaminants in terms of their effect on health, analytical methods are developed and validated.
Research on endocrine disruptors and hormone-mimicking substances
The hormonal system is influenced by numerous internal and external factors. Many natural and synthetic substances can affect it when they enter the body.
Third party projects(selection)
Science News on toxicology – The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Journals
| Datum | Titel | Fachzeitschrift |
|---|---|---|
| External Link: Hazard characterization of the mycotoxins enniatins and beauvericin to identify data gaps and improve risk assessment for human health | Archives of Toxicology | |
| External Link: Roadmap for Mixture Toxicity published | EFSA Journal |