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ACTRA Australasian College of Toxicology
and Risk Assessment |
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September 2007 E-Newsletter |
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Welcome to the
inaugural ACTRA E-Newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to update
members on ACTRA activities and provide information on current issues of
interest to toxicologists and professionals engaged in health risk
assessment. The current edition includes a summary of the activities
undertaken by your inaugural Steering Committee in 2006-07, as well as
information on forthcoming meetings of potential interest to members. Brian Priestly |
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Steering
Committee |
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The Steering
Committee that worked to establish ACTRA and organise its activities are
listed below. -
Professor
Brian Priestly (brian.priestly@med.monash.edu.au)
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Professor
Michael Moore (m.moore@uq.edu.au)
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Associate
Professor John Edwards (john.edwards@flinders.edu.au)
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Dr
Peter Di Marco (PDiMarco@golder.com.au)
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Dr
Roger Drew (rogerdrew@bigpond.com)
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Dr
Andrew Harman (andrew.harman@harmanlegal.com.au)
The Steering Committee has
formally met three times by teleconference to plan ACTRA activities. Minutes
of these meetings are available upon request. Among the topics under consideration for
Workshops and the Continuing Education program in 2008 are:
risk assessment methodology for carcinogens; toxicology of
nickel; assessment of exposure to pesticides; a session bridging human health
and ecotoxicology for the August 2008 SETAC Conference (possibly as
a satellite). The Steering committee would welcome feedback from members suggesting other
possible topics, and advice from anyone prepared to assist with
running these sessions. |
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Australasian
Register of Toxicologists |
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One of the
significant objectives behind establishing ACTRA was to develop an
accreditation program whereby members could gain some peer-reviewed
recognition of their skills and professional expertise in toxicology and risk
assessment. The ACTRA Committee will put formal proposals to the Annual
General Meeting (see below) to establish an Australasian Register of Toxicologists.
Listing on the Register will require ACTRA members to make a separate
application outlining their training and professional achievements, and
nominating referees prepared to support their listing. ACTRA will appoint a
Panel of senior toxicologists, including at least two international
scientists of high repute, to adjudicate on suitability for entry onto the
Register. Unlike some such accreditation schemes, entry onto the Register
will not require passing a formal examination paper, although if members can
cite passing such examinations, these could form part of the qualifications
for listing. The primary qualification will be documented evidence of
previous and current active participation in professional activities in
toxicology and/or health risk assessment. Assessment of suitability will be
based on a point system similar to that by which entry to the British
Toxicological Society Register is attained. |
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IUTOX Affiliation |
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The International
Union of Toxicology (IUTOX) is an umbrella organization within the framework
of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) which specifically
addresses the interests of toxicologists around the world. The ACTRA Steering
Committee has had informal discussions with members of the IUTOX Executive as
to whether it will be possible for ACTRA to seek formal affiliation with
IUTOX. The advantages of such an affiliation will be to enhance afford the
status of ACTRA in the international arena, open up IUTOX activities for
ACTRA members, including
the ability to attract IUTOX activities (e.g. Risk Assessment Summer School)
to Australia and facilitation of personal international
networking. ACTRA members
seeking further information about IUTOX are directed to a historical account
of its development at http://www.iutox.org/downloads/HistoricalNotes2007.pdf |
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Member news… |
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Membership news |
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Since
ACTRA’s establishment in July 2006, 49 people have joined as members. On
behalf of the Committee I would like to welcome you all. As mentioned in your
acceptance e-mail, the membership year runs from 1 July to 30 June each year,
with annual fees due by 30 September. Those of you who joined in 2006-07 will
have already received an email from Meetings First, the ACTRA Secretariat,
advising you how to renew your membership for 2007-08. We hope that you will
continue to support ACTRA and that you will also take the opportunity to
encourage your colleagues to consider joining. ACTRA’s growth depends on
attracting new members so if
you have any suggestions on whom the Committee might approach, please email
contact details to actra@meetingsfirst.com.au. To
download a membership application form, please click here. If
you have any queries about your membership, please do not hesitate to contact
me. Athina Patti, ACTRA
Secretariat |
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ACTRA Annual General Meeting |
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ACTRA was incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act (Vic)
in July 2006. In order to comply with reporting requirements of this legislation,
ACTRA must hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by November 30 2007. It is proposed that the AGM be convened on
Friday 16 November 2007, at the Department of Epidemiology & Preventive
Medicine, Monash University in Melbourne. The AGM will be held in conjunction
with a Workshop on Use of Toxicological Data in Risk Assessment (further
details to follow). Members will receive formal notification of the AGM venue and agenda in
due course. When ACTRA was first incorporated, it adopted a set of model rules
which comply with the Victorian legislation. One of the agenda items at the
AGM will be proposals to amend the ACTRA rules and operational procedures to
better align with ACTRA objectives. I urge all members to participate in the AGM. The agenda for this
important meeting will also include opportunities to input into planning for
ACTRA activities, and election of new Committees to steer ACTRA through 2008.
Formal nomination forms for ACTRA Committees will be issued with the AGM
notification documents. If you are considering serving on any ACTRA
Committee, or intend to nominate a colleague whom you think could be an
active Committee member, you may wish to discuss the matter further with one
or more members of the current Steering Committee (see contact details
above). Brian Priestly |
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Meetings organised by ACTRA in 2006 |
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ACTRA, in conjunction with the Australian Centre for
Human Health Risk Assessment (ACHHRA), and the Journal of Toxicology and
Environmental Health (JTEH) organized a Symposium
on Challenges in Environmental
Toxicology in Australasia, at the Hotel Eden on the Park, Melbourne, 13-14 July 2006, with
around 80
registrants. This symposium was used
to formally launch ACTRA. The program
included presentations on: air quality standards and pollutant emissions risk
assessment, evaluating environmental and health hazards from exposures to
contaminants in air and contaminated sites (soil and groundwater), in vitro
toxicological studies of Cyanobacterical toxins and mycotoxins in food and
water, biochemical studies on induction of P53-regulated gene expression in
human cell lines exposed to Cylindrospermopsin toxin, optimising in vitro
assays for toxicity assessment of airborne contaminants in multiple human
cell systems, use of an Australian modified-Benchmark Dose methodology for
developing Tolerable Daily Intakes and guideline values for environmental
contaminants, examining the environmental and human health impacts of
industrial activities, evaluating public health risks from heavy metals and
metalloids in traditional chinese medicines, ecological risk assessment and
ecotoxicology and technical innovations to risk assessment methodologies, as well
as risk management decision making, risk perception and communication. JTEH has been publishing special issues covering environmental health
research and expertise of different countries, and this symposium offered an
opportunity to showcase Australian expertise in this field. Selected authors
were invited to submit their presentations as reviewed manuscripts in a
special Australian issue of JTEH This special issue was published in August
2007. Put in
reference & web link. A workshop Advances in the Neurotoxicology
and Risk Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds was arranged jointly by ACTRA
and the Australian Centre for Human Health Risk Assessment (ACHHRA) at the Melbourne Airport Hilton Hotel, 18 September
2006. It attracted some 37 registrants, and received
sponsorship support from Toxikos Pty Ltd, SA Health and the Victorian
Department of Human Services. The
workshop included two
lectures from a leading US expert in VOC toxicology, Dr Will Boyes (US
Environmental Protection Agency). Other speakers were Dr Sam Bruschi (Laural
Consulting), Dr Roger Drew (Toxikos Pty Ltd), Associate Professor John
Edwards (Flinders University) and Mr Len Turczynowicz (Coffey Environments
Pty Ltd). The main topics covered in the workshop were
around the following themes: -
Target tissue dose: the key to predicting
risks of neurotoxic volatile organic compounds -
Toxic interactions of VOC mixtures -
Environmental solvents: explaining risks from
exposure and biological monitoring -
Integrating epidemiology and toxicology in neurotoxicity
risk assessment -
Composition and toxicology of fuel -
illustrated with JP-8 -
Trials and tribulations of assessing exposure
to subsurface volatile chemicals A survey undertaken to gauge the overall
success of the Workshop concluded that the content and selection of
presentations was very positive. Delegates also contributed ideas towards
topics for future ACTRA Continuing Education programs Brian
Priestly Director
ACHHRA, Monash University |
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News from other organisations and members… |
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Scathing review of OMB Risk Assessment
Bulletin by NRC |
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In an effort to
improve the overall practice of risk assessment in the US Federal government,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its Proposed Risk
Assessment Bulletin on January 9, 2006, with a stated objective to “enhance
the technical quality and objectivity of risk assessments prepared by US
federal agencies.” The bulletin presents specific standards for risk
assessments disseminated by US Federal agencies. The National Research
Council (NRC) of the National Academies has published (April 2007) a
“Scientific Review of the Proposed Risk Assessment Bulletin from the Office
of Management and Budget”. The review is not complementary and severely
criticises many of the science aspects of the proposed risk assessment
‘standards’. In general, the NRC committee found many of the standards to be
unclear or flawed. Standards on presentation of specific information,
uncertainty, and adversity of health effects exemplify the problems with the
Bulletin. The committee considered “there is a serious danger that agencies
will produce ranges of meaningless and confusing risk estimates, which could
result in risk assessments of reduced rather than enhanced quality and
objectivity.” “On the basis
of its review, the committee concluded that the OMB bulletin is fundamentally
flawed and recommends that it be withdrawn. Although the committee fully
supports the goal of increasing the quality and objectivity of risk
assessment in the federal government, it agrees unanimously that the OMB
bulletin would not facilitate reaching this goal.” Nevertheless the NRC
committee agrees with the need for uniform technical guidance for risk
assessment amongst US Federal agencies that would enhance the science,
efficiency, and consistency of health based risk assessments. Despite the
above criticisms Australian risk assessment practitioners, and agencies, can
learn from reading the OMB bulletin and the NRC review. This is especially in
the areas of needing to fully document, and make transparent, the data used
in risk assessments and providing quantitative uncertainty assessments.
Unfortunately the resources (time, money and expertise) made available in
Australia, either at a consultancy or agency level, to undertake important public
health risk assessments are not always compatible with these goals. The NRC review of the OMB bulletin is
published by National Academic Press (April 2007), the executive summary is
available free. Please click here. Submitted by Roger Drew, Toxikos Pty Ltd,
April 2007 |
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New reference
document from the NHMRC |
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In
September 2006 the NHMRC published a technical guidance document “AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS SETTING –
An Approach to Health-Based Hazard Assessment”. The report reflects consensus between the health and
environment sectors on common, health based approaches to the hazard
assessment component of setting air quality standards. It will help health
professionals to develop information in ways to effectively support an
evidence based decision-making process within the environment sector. Topics
covered include, but are not limited to, selection of studies identifying
health effects associated with an air pollutant; in the Australian context
the portability of overseas studies is discussed. An overview of
dose-response modelling and use of epidemiological studies in setting air
quality standards is provided. There is a useful section on the
application-of-weight of evidence criteria, and ‘how to’ advice on addressing
sensitive subpopulations, particularly children and what additional
uncertainty factors may need to be applied, and time scaling (i.e. setting
averaging times for air quality standards). The
document can be found on the NHMRC web site, http://www.nhmrc.gov.au. Submitted by Roger Drew, Toxikos Pty Ltd, May
2007 |
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Nanotechnology developments |
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Nanotechnology is an emerging
industry in many areas of the world. It is based on the manufacture of
materials at the nanoscale (<100 microns). The range of properties and
surface chemistry characteristics of nanomaterials are such that many
consider nanotechnology to herald a new and exciting industrial revolution in
electronics, materials engineering, environmental engineering and
biomedicine. In its recent industry statement, the Australian Government
recognised the potential benefits of nanotechnology to the Australian
economy, and allocated $21.5m towards its further development, under the auspices
of a National Nanotechnology Strategy (see http://www.industry.gov.au/). The potential health effects of
nanomaterials are controversial and could form the basis for a public
backlash against nanotechnology, comparable to that which has occurred with
other newly emerging technologies (e.g. GMOs). Methods to assess the basic
toxicological properties and OHS aspects of safe handling of nanomaterials
are in need of urgent investigation. Australian toxicologists are keen to
assist with this process, and a number of networks are developing in this
area (e.g. ARC Nanotechnology Network http://www.ausnano.net). Some
ACTRA members have also established the Nanosafe Australia network (http://www.rmit.edu.au/rd/nanosafe)
to assist with the development of specific research projects on
nanotoxicology and provide links to relevant information sources. To further develop a health
focus on nanotechnology, the NHMRC has established an Advisory Committee on
Health & Nanotechnology, which includes members of ACTRA among its
specialist advisors. Submitted by Brian
Priestly, September 2007 |
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New Dutch guidance document for risk
assessment for children |
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The RIVM Centre for Substances
and Integrated Risk Assessment has released a new document “Guidance for Assessment of Chemical Risks
for Children” (RIVM report 320012001/2007 available at http://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/320012001.pdf). The
report points out it should be kept in mind that at present in risk
assessment of chemicals the existence of potentially susceptible groups in
the human population, such as children, is already taken into account. In essence the document indicates that
while there may be exposure differences, and perhaps toxicokinetic and/or
toxicodynamic differences between children (especially neonates and toddlers)
and adults that render children more or less susceptible, the usual default
safety factors for extrapolation of animal data to humans, and for
variability in human response, are usually adequate for the protection of
children. However it is recommended, for each chemical, that it should always
be considered whether children are sufficiently protected by the default
inter- and intraspecies factors, or whether the application of an additional
assessment factor is warranted. The use of an additional safety factor should
however always be justified. The RIVM document also contains
very brief descriptions of some of the initiatives set up by authorities in
Europe and the US for assessment of chemical/pollution exposure in children.
The report is worth reading if only to gain an appreciation of the myriad of
programmes, and the differences between WHO/European and US approaches. The latter seem to want to apply the
additional ‘kiddie factor’ as a default unless there is good data to indicate
children are not more sensitive than adults. On the other hand, WHO tends to
not apply additional precaution for children unless it is supported by
evidence. Fundamental differences in
policy! Australia is inclined to
follow the WHO approach (see the NHMRC technical guidance document “Ambient
Air Quality Standards Setting – An Approach to Health-Based Hazard
Assessment” available at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au for
discussion of consideration of children in the Australian setting). Submitted by
Roger Drew, Toxikos Pty Ltd, September 2007 |
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Local lymph node assay |
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The National Toxicology Program
(NTP) Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological
Methods has announced the draft performance standards for the murine local
lymph node assay (LNNA). The LLNA is an alternative test to guinea pigs for
identification of agents and mixtures with potential for skin sensitisation.
It reduces the number of animals needed, reduces the testing and reporting
time, and reduces the distress associated with the traditional guinea pig
test methods. Not surprisingly it is cheaper as well. The NTP have just
released draft performance standards for the LLNA when it is used as a stand
alone test for hazard identification/classification, testing metals and mixtures,
and what protocol amendments are acceptable when used as a limit test.
Importantly the LLNA is recognised by the Australian National Industrial
Chemical Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) as a legitimate source
of toxicological information for chemical sensitisation. For further
information see http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/files/LLNA_72_FR_176.pdf. Submitted by
Roger Drew, Toxikos Pty Ltd, September 2007 |
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Recruitment
opportunities
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Expression
of Interest Director;
National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (EnTox) The
University of Queensland Faculty of
Health Sciences ·
Exciting opportunity to lead a national research facility
with a focus on environmental risk assessment in its broadest sense. Entox is a partnership between
The University of Queensland and Queensland Health and is based at Coopers
Plains in Brisbane on the site of world-class facilities, collocated with
Queensland Health laboratories. We
seek a dynamic new leader to implement a vision for environmental toxicology
research excellence. The Centre is
multi-disciplinary and houses about 70 researchers and postgraduate students
and has interests in the following areas: ·
Exposure assessment; ·
Toxicity evaluation using bio-assays and conventional
analysis – risk assessment; ·
Bio availability of metals and other compounds in
contaminated sites; ·
Environmental consequences of pesticides; ·
Water quality recycling and health; and ·
Environmental health impacts in at-risk populations. The University of Queensland
has significant strengths in molecular toxicology, nanotechnology, population
health and other disciplines, which could forger excellent collaborations
across EnTox. The University seeks
applications from suitably qualified persons who have demonstrated innovation
in collaborative research and have strong leadership and management skills,
dynamism and the ability to inspire others as well as possessing a strategic
vision for the Centre. Collaborative partnerships with
Queensland Health and with The University of Queensland as well as key
external institutes will be expected.
A key criterion for success will be to engage with University of
Queensland and Queensland Health scientists to carry out competitive research
and obtain external research funding. Remuneration: This is a full time,
five-year appointment in the first instance at Professor (Academic Level
E). A competitive remuneration
package will be offered including employer superannuation contributions of
17%. Contact: To obtain the position description and selection
criteria please contact Professor Peter Brooks, Executive Dean, Faculty of
Health Sciences at p.brooks@uq.edu.au. |
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Upcoming meetings, events and courses |
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2007 |
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Eurotox
2007 44th
Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology 7-10
October 2007 Amsterdam, The Netherlands Please click here to visit the meeting website. IV
International Congress of the Cuban Society of Toxicology 4-7
December 2007 International Conference
Center, Havana, Cuba Please click here to visit the meeting website. National Short Course on
Environmental Health 19-28 November 2007 Flinders University, South
Australia Please click here to visit the website. 25th Annual Conference of
the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists 1-5 December 2007 Melbourne, Australia Please click here to visit the meeting website. International
Symposium on Nanotechnology in Environmental Protection and Pollution 11-13 December 2007 Florida, USA Please click here to visit the meeting website. |
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2008 |
2008
International Conference on Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology
25-29 February 2008 Please click here to visit the meeting website. EcoForum Conference & Exhibition 27–29 February 2008 Please click here to visit the meeting website. 5th SETAC World Congress 3-7 August 2008 Sydney, Australia Please click here to visit the meeting website. Eurotox 2008 45th Congress of the European Societies of
Toxicology 5-8 October 2008 Rhodes, Greece Please click here to visit the meeting website. |
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ACTRA Secretariat
Please
remember that we are always here to help at anytime if you have any queries
relating to your ACTRA membership, or any other business relating to ACTRA. The next
E-News will be sent out in December 2007. If there is information you would
like to include, please email it to actra@meetingsfirst.com.au by
Friday 14 December 2007. ACTRA Secretariat Meetings First 4/184 Main Street LILYDALE VIC
3140 Phone +61 3 9739 7697 Fax +61 3 9739 7076 |