A responsible approach to assessing the long-term impacts of chemicals

Public awareness of the potential impact of human activity and man-made substances on the environment and on health is something the chemical industry has long taken seriously. As early as 1996, the need to address societal concerns and help public understanding of the long-term impacts led to the establishment of the Long-range Research Initiative (LRI) programme in the US.

Since 1999, LRI, Cefic’s Long-Range Research Initiative Programme has been addressing societal challenges with science to improve safety and sustainability of chemicals. LRI has awarded approximately €90 million to over 250 projects that address European public health strategy priorities.

Aim

The LRI’s aim is to respond to public and stakeholder concerns through rigorous scientific investigation. Over the years it has become a unique source of knowledge and tools, providing a validated infrastructure of scientific advice available to both the industry and regulatory bodies. In this way, the LRI helps to provide timely and accurate information in response to the public’s questions and concerns.

Research

To help address some of European public health strategy priorities, LRI conducts peer-reviewed transparent research to:

• Understand everyday and occupational exposure to chemicals;
• Investigate the effects of exposure to chemicals on human health;
• Develop tools and approaches to improve chemical risk assessment;
• Reduce animal use in chemical testing.

LRI also addresses many of the environmental objectives of the EU, including:

• Linking environmental factors to health effects;
• Understanding and reducing chemical risks to environment;
• Improving and advancing chemical risk assessment methods.