An integrated probabilistic framework for cumulative risk assessment of common mechanism chemicals in food: an example with organophosphorus pesticides

Bosgra, S; van der Voet, H; Boon, PE; Slob, W

HERO ID

2079109

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2009

Language

English

PMID

19303907

HERO ID 2079109
In Press No
Year 2009
Title An integrated probabilistic framework for cumulative risk assessment of common mechanism chemicals in food: an example with organophosphorus pesticides
Authors Bosgra, S; van der Voet, H; Boon, PE; Slob, W
Journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology
Volume 54
Issue 2
Page Numbers 124-133
Abstract This paper presents a framework for integrated probabilistic risk assessment of chemicals in the diet which accounts for the possibility of cumulative exposure to chemicals with a common mechanism of action. Variability between individuals in the population with respect to food consumption, concentrations of chemicals in the consumed foods, food processing habits and sensitivity towards the chemicals is addressed by Monte Carlo simulations. A large number of individuals are simulated, for which the individual exposure (iEXP), the individual critical effect dose (iCED) and the ratio between these values (the individual margin of exposure, iMoE) are calculated by drawing random values for all variable parameters from databases or specified distributions. This results in a population distribution of the iMoE, and the fraction of this distribution below 1 indicates the fraction of the population that may be at risk. Uncertainty in the assessment is treated as a separate dimension by repeating the Monte Carlo simulations many times, each time drawing random values for all uncertain parameters. In this framework, the cumulative exposure to common mechanism chemicals is addressed by incorporation of the relative potency factor (RPF) approach. The framework is demonstrated by the cumulative risk assessment of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). By going through this example, the various choices and assumptions underlying the cumulative risk assessment are made explicit. The problems faced and the solutions chosen may be more generic than the present example with OPs. This demonstration may help to familiarize risk assessors and risk managers with the somewhat more complex output of probabilistic risk assessment.
Doi 10.1016/j.yrtph.2009.03.004
Pmid 19303907
Wosid WOS:000266939500004
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Cumulative; Relative potency factor; Probabilistic; Risk assessment; Food; Monte Carlo; Variability; Uncertainty; Organophosphorus pesticides