Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW) is a member of a Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals
The assessment of the risk associated with exposure to chemicals, with particular emphasis on human health and environment protection, is the aim of the research conducted as part of the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) project.
Various chemicals from polluted air, water, packaging and foods may threaten humans and our planet. Every day, we have been exposed to the harmful effects of these chemicals, but children, pregnant women and the elderly are primarily at increased risk. The Warsaw University of Life Sciences is taking part in the project, whose goal is to assess the risk of the impact of chemicals. Detailed examinations of children will realize the goals. In the next step, the legislative changes and clarification at the European level towards the protection of humans and the environment will be implemented.
The goals of the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals
The primary goal of the PARC is to identify potential risks related to chemical exposure and to determine the possibility of these risks occurring, in line with the assumptions of the European Green Deal. Both short- and long-term effects on human health and various elements of the environment will be assessed. It is essential to be aware of the sources of the as well as the possible routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact). The most at-risk groups should also be considered, i.e. children as mentioned above, pregnant women and the elderly. The natural environment is the second important area of risk assessment. Chemicals can have long-term effects on soil, water and air and affect ecosystems and biodiversity. Our responsibility to future generations requires us to be careful and have a sustainable approach to using chemicals. WULS-SGGW participation in PARC is a natural consequence of the university’s creation and support of pro-ecological attitudes and scientific projects, the results of which will significantly improve human well-being.
The assessment of the importance of chemicals on the Polish children’s health
WULS-SGGW has joined the 7-year PARC project, implemented as part of Horizon Europe – a framework program of the European Union (EU). PARC brings together researchers and experts from 28 countries and EU agencies. The Laboratory of Human Metabolism Research represents WULS-SGGW under the supervision of Dr. Hab. Lucyna Kozłowska, prof. SGGW. Prof. Lucyna Kozłowska, Joanna Róg, PhD, and Anna Fabisiak, PhD will conduct a study involving children aged 7-11. Three hundred participants (males and females) from all macroregions of Poland will be included in the project. This methodology will ensure a representative population that will be reflected in exposure to chemicals in this group for the Polish population. Urine and hair samples will be collected from the participants, together with information about their health, lifestyle and diet. The biological samples will be analyzed using advanced laboratory methods, which will determine exposure to many hazardous chemicals. This means that in 2024, WULS-SGGW employees will appear in selected primary schools throughout Poland to collect biological material and necessary information through appropriate questionnaires. The Laboratory of Human Metabolism Research will perform non-targeted metabolomics analyses. Metabolomics allow for a comprehensive assessment of subtle metabolism perturbations caused by environmental factors such as chemicals. A wide range of research on exposure to various chemical compounds, as well as the advanced method of analysis, is an innovative approach to improving the health of the European population.
Legislative changes are needed.
The project will become the basis for public awareness building and introducing activities concentrating on legislative strategies to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals. The assessment of the risk related to exposure to chemicals should be an integral and systematic process of advancing and improving existing technologies. Protecting human health and ensuring environmental balance requires routine monitoring, analysis and taking practical corrective and preventive actions.
The project received funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101057014.