RISK ASSESSMENT, POLICY AND RISK COMMUNICATION

Advanced Course

INDEX

LECTURES

CASES

“Risk assessment of emerging hazards due to climate change and pollution: impacts on humans and ecosystems”

A human health risk assessment is the process to estimate the nature and probability of adverse health effects in humans who may be exposed to hazardous compounds, mixtures, or other types of exposures in their environment, now or in the future.

It consists of 4 steps:

1. Hazard Identification: it is examined whether a stressor has the potential to cause harm to humans and/or ecological systems, and if so, under what circumstances.
2. Dose-Response Assessment: information is gathered to determine the numerical relationship between exposure and effects.
3. Exposure Assessment: once steps 1 & 2 are identified, it is examined what is known about the frequency, timing, and levels of contact with the stressor.
4. Risk Characterization: this last phase integrates the three previous phases: Hazard Identification, Dose-Response Assessment, and Exposure Assessment. It determines the probability of an adverse effect to a human population and outlines permissible exposure levels from which standards of exposure are set. It provides the input for Risk Management.

In this online course you will acquire more knowledge on how to perform risk assessment, how each of the 4 steps can be performed and applied to various cases studies, and how you can manage and communicate about risk.

How Scientists Assess Chemical Risks to Human Health

How are emerging pollutants shaping the future of our health and environment? In this lecture, Prof. Helga Stoer, a toxicology expert at the University of Würzburg, explores the pressing issue of chemical pollution, from endocrine disruptors and microplastics to e-waste and pharmaceutical residues. Learn how these substances impact planetary health, disrupt hormones, and contribute to long-term environmental damage. This session covers the science behind toxic exposures, their effects on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems, and the urgent need for regulatory action. Discover how pollutants like PFAS, dioxins, and fine dust influence everything from declining sperm counts to biodiversity loss. With real-world examples—including the Seveso disaster, plastic waste in oceans, and the role of climate change in spreading new health threats—this talk connects the dots between pollution, toxicology, and global sustainability. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply concerned about environmental toxins, this video will give you essential insights into risk assessment and why small pollutants pose massive challenges. Watch now to understand the hidden dangers in our everyday environment and what we can do to mitigate them.

Understanding Emerging Pollutants and Their Impact on Health

How are emerging pollutants shaping the future of our health and environment? In this lecture, Prof. Helga Stoer, a toxicology expert at the University of Würzburg, explores the pressing issue of chemical pollution, from endocrine disruptors and microplastics to e-waste and pharmaceutical residues. Learn how these substances impact planetary health, disrupt hormones, and contribute to long-term environmental damage. This session covers the science behind toxic exposures, their effects on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems, and the urgent need for regulatory action. Discover how pollutants like PFAS, dioxins, and fine dust influence everything from declining sperm counts to biodiversity loss. With real-world examples—including the Seveso disaster, plastic waste in oceans, and the role of climate change in spreading new health threats—this talk connects the dots between pollution, toxicology, and global sustainability. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply concerned about environmental toxins, this video will give you essential insights into risk assessment and why small pollutants pose massive challenges. Watch now to understand the hidden dangers in our everyday environment and what we can do to mitigate them.

Why In Vitro, In Vivo, and Human Studies Don’t Always Match

Translational toxicology is at the heart of understanding how substances impact human health. In this lecture, we break down the complex process of moving from in vitro (lab-based) studies to in vivo (animal) models and, ultimately, to real-world human toxicology. How do we bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-life effects? What are the limitations of animal studies, and can we trust them to predict human outcomes? This session explores the advantages and challenges of each research step, the importance of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, and how genetic and environmental variations influence toxicity studies. From blood biomarkers to humanized animal models, we uncover the best strategies for risk assessment and why translating data from lab to life isn’t always straightforward. If you’re involved in toxicology, pharmacology, or risk assessment, this is a must-watch lecture. Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights on risk communication, chemical exposure, and toxicology research!

How Epidemiologists Assess Public Health Risks

Epidemiology plays a crucial role in risk assessment, helping scientists and policymakers understand the connection between exposure to hazardous substances and public health outcomes. In this lecture, we explore how epidemiological methods contribute to identifying risks, assessing dose-response relationships, and characterizing exposure levels. From biomonitoring and environmental monitoring to cohort studies, case-control research, and statistical modeling, epidemiology provides essential data for decision-making in toxicology, public health, and occupational safety. We also discuss the challenges of measuring exposure, the impact of bias and confounding variables, and how epidemiologists help shape risk management and policy. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or public health professional, this video will give you a deeper understanding of how epidemiological evidence is used to assess risks, prevent disease, and guide public health strategies. Stay tuned to learn how exposure science is shaping the future of risk assessment!

Understanding Chemical Hazards Risks and Toxicity Explained

Understanding chemical hazards and their risks is crucial for protecting both human health and the environment. In this lecture from the Advanced Course on Risk Assessment, Management & Communication, we dive into the science of toxicology, exploring how scientists assess chemical exposure, predict toxic effects, and determine safe levels. You’ll learn about key concepts such as hazard characterization, dose-response relationships, and the role of exposure routes in toxicity. We also discuss critical factors like genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity, as well as the challenges in evaluating chemical mixtures and developing new approach methodologies (NAMs) to reduce animal testing. Whether you’re a toxicology student, environmental scientist, or risk assessor, this video provides essential insights into how regulatory agencies, including the OECD and European Chemical Agency (ECHA), establish safety guidelines. Join us as we break down the scientific principles behind chemical risk assessment and uncover the complexities of how chemicals impact human health and ecosystems.

Understanding Genotoxicity Data for Risk Assessment and Regulation

Understanding genotoxicity and its role in risk assessment is critical for evaluating chemical safety and regulatory decisions. In this lecture, Associate Professor George from Swansea University dives deep into dose-response modeling, the importance of Benchmark Dose (BMD) analysis, and the evolving science behind genotoxic thresholds. Why do some chemicals cause DNA damage at high doses but are considered safe at lower levels? How do regulators determine acceptable exposure limits? This session explores key methodologies in risk assessment, including the use of transgenic gene mutation tests, covariate modeling, and statistical approaches to analyzing genotoxic data. Learn why traditional NOEL (No Observed Effect Level) methods are outdated and how modern techniques like BMD modeling provide more accurate, science-based safety thresholds. This video is essential for toxicologists, risk assessors, regulatory professionals, and anyone in the field of chemical safety and public health. If you’re following the Advanced Course on Risk Assessment, Management & Communication, this session will deepen your understanding of the complexities behind genotoxicity evaluations. Subscribe for more expert insights into toxicology, chemical risk assessment, and regulatory science.

The Science of Measuring Chemical Exposure

Exposure assessment is a critical part of toxicology and risk assessment, helping us determine how, when, and to what extent humans are exposed to harmful chemicals, pollutants, and other hazardous agents. In this session, we break down the fundamentals of exposure assessment, exploring key methodologies, biomarkers, dose measurements, and common challenges in evaluating risk. You’ll learn how exposure pathways influence toxicology studies, how different disciplines like biochemistry, epidemiology, and environmental science contribute to accurate risk assessment, and why biomarkers of exposure and effect are essential for understanding potential health risks. This lecture also highlights biases in exposure data, the importance of dose-response relationships, and real-world examples, including studies on air pollution, occupational exposure, and heavy metal contamination. Whether you’re a toxicology student, a researcher, or a professional in environmental health and risk management, this in-depth discussion will enhance your understanding of how scientists assess exposure and its impact on human health. Subscribe for more expert insights into toxicology, risk assessment, and public health science!

Why Do Some People Get Sick Faster From Chemicals

In this video, we explore the concept of susceptibility in toxicology, specifically why some people react differently to chemical exposures than others. We delve into how genetic and acquired factors—such as age, lifestyle, diet, and occupational exposures—can significantly influence individual reactions to toxins. By examining genetic polymorphisms, especially those involved in carcinogen metabolism like cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase, and myeloperoxidase, we reveal why certain individuals develop diseases faster or more severely after exposure to chemicals, including known carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Using practical examples and recent scientific studies, we break down complex topics like susceptibility factors, genotype-phenotype relationships, and the implications for regulatory toxicology and public health policy. This video is perfect for professionals, students, or anyone interested in toxicology, risk assessment, and the critical role genetics play in health outcomes from chemical exposures.

Understanding Risk Characterization for Food Chemicals Clearly

In this insightful lesson from the ToxLearn Summer School at Hasselt University, Professor Ariane Vorti from the University of Navarra clearly explains how experts assess and characterize risks associated with chemical contaminants in food. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of food risk analysis, the differences between hazard and risk, and how health-based guidance values (like tolerable daily intakes) are derived and used by regulatory agencies such as EFSA and FDA. Ariane also explains the critical role of uncertainty factors, margin of exposure calculations, and how regulatory limits are set in real-world scenarios. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how the safety of chemicals in your diet is determined, or what goes into the decision-making process of setting food safety standards, this video provides clear, practical answers supported by scientific evidence. Ideal for students, professionals, or anyone passionate about toxicology, food safety, and risk management.

The Science Behind Risk Management in Food Safety

Risk assessment and management play a crucial role in protecting public health, especially when it comes to food safety and chemical exposure. In this lecture, Birgit Merens from Sciensano, the Belgian scientific institute for public health, provides an in-depth look into how risk assessment informs risk management decisions. Using real-life case studies on food contaminants like aflatoxins, acrylamide, and bisphenol A (BPA), this session explores how scientific evaluations shape policies, regulations, and consumer safety measures. Learn how food contaminants are identified, how risk levels are calculated, and why regulations like the Codex Alimentarius and European food safety laws help protect consumers. This session also highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making, the role of exposure assessments, and how authorities enforce safety standards. If you’re interested in toxicology, food safety, and regulatory science, this presentation is a must-watch. Stay informed about the risks in your everyday environment and how science-driven policies help mitigate them.

Can We Predict Toxicity Before It Happens? AOPs May Hold the Answer

Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) are transforming the way we understand toxicology and environmental risk assessment. In this lecture, Nele Hans, researcher at the Belgian Nuclear Research Center and Hasselt University, explains the significance of AOPs in linking molecular changes to real-world environmental and human health effects. Learn how AOPs serve as a critical framework for assessing radiation, chemical exposure, and other stressors by connecting molecular initiating events to adverse biological outcomes at higher levels of complexity. This video explores how AOPs improve hazard characterization, enhance mechanistic risk assessment, and identify knowledge gaps in toxicological research. We also discuss the OECD AOP Wiki, the process of formalizing AOPs, and how they are used for predictive toxicology and environmental protection. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or policy expert, this deep dive into AOPs will expand your understanding of modern risk assessment methodologies. Stay tuned to learn how AOPs are shaping the future of environmental safety and public health!

Why Some Polluted Sites Shouldn’t Be Cleaned Up

What happens when a factory releases radioactive waste into rivers for over a century? In this in-depth lecture, we explore the environmental and health risks of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and the challenges of remediation. Professor Geert Demortier, an expert in environmental protection and radiation risk management, breaks down the history of phosphate industry pollution, the role of uranium and radium in contamination, and the complexities of risk assessment. Learn about the real-world challenges of balancing ecological preservation with public safety, and why some contaminated sites may never be fully cleaned up. From stakeholder conflicts to regulatory hurdles, this lecture offers a comprehensive look at the science behind environmental remediation. If you’re interested in radiation risk, toxicology, environmental remediation, or regulatory policy, this video provides essential insights into one of the most overlooked pollution crises.

How Risk Perception Shapes Public Decision-Making

Risk communication isn’t just about numbers—it’s about perception, trust, and decision-making. In this lecture from the ToxLearn Summer School in Hasselt, we explore why people misunderstand risk, how emotions shape public response, and why scientific facts alone often fail to change behavior. We dive into real-world examples of how risk perception affects public health, policy decisions, and crisis management, from nuclear energy to environmental contamination. Learn the key challenges in communicating complex risks effectively, why fear-based messaging often backfires, and how experts can build trust when addressing public concerns. Whether you’re in toxicology, health communication, or environmental risk assessment, this session provides essential insights into bridging the gap between science and public understanding. Watch to discover the strategies that actually work in risk communication and how to navigate the psychological, cultural, and media influences shaping public perception.

What Happens to Ecosystems Exposed to Radioactive Pollution

How does radiation impact ecosystems, and are our current nuclear safety limits enough to protect wildlife? In this in-depth lecture, experts from the Belgian Nuclear Research Center explore the complexities of radiological impact assessment for wildlife, uncovering how radioactive discharges affect biodiversity. Unlike humans, many organisms are continuously exposed to radiation in their environments, raising concerns about long-term ecological consequences. This session breaks down the ERA (Environmental Risk from Ionizing Radiation) framework, the Erica Assessment Tool, and dispersion modeling used to evaluate radiation exposure in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Learn about the challenges of assessing radioactive contamination in the food chain, the sensitivity of different species to radiation, and the scientific benchmarks used for environmental risk assessment. Whether you’re a researcher, environmental scientist, or simply interested in the effects of radiation on nature, this lecture provides essential insights into how we measure, predict, and mitigate radiological risks in the environment.

How Does Air Pollution Affect Your Health and the Planet

Air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges of our time, contributing to millions of premature deaths every year. In this lecture from the Advanced Course on Risk Assessment, Management & Communication, we explore the science behind atmospheric pollutants, how they form, and their devastating impact on human health, ecosystems, and climate change. Learn about key air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O₃), and persistent organic pollutants, and how they contribute to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and even cognitive decline. We also discuss the economic cost of air pollution, regulatory policies in Europe, and the growing risks linked to climate change, wildfires, and urbanization. With increasing concerns about air quality in cities, understanding how pollutants interact and how mitigation strategies can reduce exposure is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or policymaker, this deep dive into air pollution risk assessment will provide valuable insights into one of the leading causes of environmental-related deaths worldwide.

How Black Carbon Moves Through the Body From Lungs to Organs

How deeply does air pollution impact our bodies? In this lecture, Dr. Nelly Saenen, postdoctoral researcher at Hasselt University, dives into the latest research on black carbon detection in human tissues and its implications for biomarkers of exposure. Black carbon, a major component of air pollution from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, has been linked to lung cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Using innovative label-free detection techniques, researchers have traced black carbon particles from inhalation to deep tissue penetration, finding them in the lungs, placenta, brain, and even fetal organs before birth. This groundbreaking study sheds light on the early-life exposure to pollutants and the long-term effects of air pollution on human health. With air quality levels exceeding WHO guidelines in 99% of the world, understanding internal exposure is crucial for public health. Learn how these discoveries shape our understanding of toxicology, air pollution risk assessment, and environmental health. Subscribe for more insights into risk assessment, toxicogenomics, and environmental exposure science.

How Air Pollution Affects Sperm Quality and Infant Growth

How does air pollution impact human health before birth? In this lecture, we explore the effects of early-life exposure to black carbon and particulate matter, focusing on how these pollutants interact with DNA, RNA, and extracellular vesicles. Toxicogenomics provides a deeper understanding of how environmental toxins trigger genetic and epigenetic changes, influencing fetal development, immune response, and long-term health risks. We discuss the role of placental trophoblast cells, how pollutants reach the fetus, and why air pollution is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, reduced birth weight, and immune dysfunction. The talk also introduces innovative biomarker research, including how exosomes from cord blood and placenta can serve as non-invasive indicators of prenatal exposure. With pollution levels exceeding WHO recommendations for 99% of the global population, understanding these risks is critical. Whether you’re a toxicologist, researcher, or student in risk assessment, this video provides key insights into the intersection of air pollution, genomics, and public health.

Understanding Mycotoxins Risks Exposure and Food Contamination

Mycotoxins are invisible threats lurking in food worldwide, produced by fungi under specific environmental conditions. In this lecture from the Advanced Course on Risk Assessment, Management & Communication, we explore the three main groups of mycotoxins—aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fusarium toxins—and their impact on human health, farm animals, and food safety. Learn how these toxic secondary metabolites contaminate crops, persist through food processing, and pose risks ranging from acute poisoning to chronic effects like cancer and organ damage. We discuss how regulatory agencies like EFSA, WHO, and FDA assess mycotoxin risks, the global economic burden of contamination, and the growing concerns of climate change altering fungal toxin prevalence. Discover the challenges in monitoring, detecting, and managing these toxic compounds, the emerging risks associated with food supply chains, and the complexities of co-exposure and synergistic effects between multiple mycotoxins. Whether you’re a toxicology student, food scientist, or health professional, this deep dive into mycotoxin risk assessment and regulatory toxicology will give you essential insights into one of the most persistent food safety threats worldwide.

The Science Behind Lab-Grown Dairy & Its Safety Regulations

In this detailed and insightful video, we dive deep into the science behind lab-grown dairy proteins and their role in the future of food safety. As global protein demand is expected to rise dramatically by 2050, lab-grown alternatives like cultured dairy and precision fermentation offer a sustainable solution to the mounting pressure on traditional animal agriculture. We explore how these innovative proteins are produced, the regulatory concerns surrounding their approval, and the potential risks and benefits associated with consuming them. From the production processes like precision fermentation and single-cell protein to the evaluation of digestibility and allergenicity, this video provides an in-depth understanding of how lab-grown dairy proteins are tested for safety. Whether you’re interested in sustainable food solutions or food safety regulations, this video is a comprehensive guide to the emerging world of lab-grown dairy. Join us as we discuss the future of dairy production and the scientific advancements driving this food revolution.