RIFM discusses QRA in scientific journal

Members of RIFM have contributed to a special issue on the Dermal Sensitization Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) for fragrance ingredients, published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology (Vol.52, No.1, October 2008), the scientific journal for the International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.

“The QRA Approach specifically addresses the induction of dermal sensitization, which is a threshold based event,” says RIFM vp Anne Marie Api. “This new methodology is a major improvement over the former approach because it specifically addresses the elements of exposure based risk assessment that are unique to the induction of dermal sensitization, while being consistent with the principles of general toxicology risk assessment.”

Developed in collaboration with IFRA, the QRA method is now being used to determine global fragrance industry product management practices for potentially sensitizing fragrance ingredients. “Since exposure is a key element of safety, using it to determine category enables better management of relevant exposure and therefore safety,” Api comments. “The QRA approach provides greater flexibility to the perfumer because the limit is no longer the same across all skin contact applications.”

In addition to Api, contributors to the QRA issue include IFRA scientific director Matthias Vey, RIFM human health scientist Valerie Politano and RIFM senior test program specialist Jon Lalko. The issue can be accessed from the Publications Section of the RIFM website.