Update (May 2005) - Project for the re-evaluation of human and mammalian toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds
An international Steering Group has been established to define the aims of the workshop, identify relevant experts and review the proposals that were submitted in response to the call for information. The following experts are members of this Steering Group:
Dr Linda Birnbaum, US EPA, USA
Dr William Farland, US EPA, USA
Dr Helen Hakansson, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
Professor Richard Peterson, University of Wisconsin, USA
Dr Christopher Portier, NIEHS, USA
Dr Chiharu Tohyama, University of Tokyo, Japan
Professor Martin Van den Berg, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Netherlands
The call for proposals has attracted 18 submissions from 14 different individuals or organizations, from 5 countries. All these submissions are being considered in the preparation of the workshop.
The expert workshop is well into its planning stages, experts have been identified by the Steering Group and invitations sent out. In accordance with WHO rules, names of participants will only be published with the report of the workshop. Experts are currently preparing background papers for consideration at the workshop. The specific areas covered are the following:
- Validity of the TEF approach for its intended purpose
- Characterizing and presenting uncertainty of the TEFs
- Methods and approaches for the derivation of TEFs in general (including relative potency criteria)
- New information on mono-ortho PCBs
- New information on OCDD (octachloro dibenzo dioxin)
- Consideration of other compounds for inclusion in TEF concept
- Natural Ah receptor ligands – implication for TEF concept?
- Use and application of TEF concept in risk management (external vs internal TEFs; mammalian TEFs for use in other media, e.g. soil)
The workshop will be held at WHO Headquarters on 28 to 30 June 2005 in Geneva. Preceding the workshop on 27 June, will be a Public Session, to give interested parties an opportunity to express their views on the subjects to be addressed in the workshop and for follow-up activities.
For more details, consult the announcement on Public Session.