Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental MedicineEnvironmental, occupational, and consumer protection are topics of rising concern. Our dedicated scientists are working on research topics to make our world safer. In recent years, a special focus has been on new materials such as nano-structured materials and improvement of chemical risk assessment technologies.
New materials such as nano-structured materials may develop very different characteristics and, therefore, general statements about the risks of nanotechnology or nanomaterials are difficult to make at this stage. Several studies deal with fundamental issues such as precise characterization of nanomaterials and the properties defining the inherent hazard potential. Here, we are working on studying the toxic effects of nanomaterials at different testing levels.
Our comprehensive activities in risk assessment also create ideas for new scientific approaches that may help improve chemical risk assessment methodology in the future. With research on mechanistic data, i.e. investigations of key events in so-called AOPs, and the use of in-silico approaches in risk assessment our scientists are working on new approaches which could help deal more effectively with emerging challenges for cosmetics products, foods, and chemical mixtures.
