The Second EDC-MASLD Policy Forum on Chemical Mixtures and Regulatory Inefficiencies is an online policy dialogue organised within the framework of the EU-funded EDC-MASLD project. The event will take place on 5 February 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00 CET, and will bring together experts from science, policy, and regulatory authorities to discuss current challenges in chemical risk assessment and regulation.
Human exposure to chemicals rarely occurs in isolation; instead, people are continuously exposed to complex mixtures of substances from multiple sources. Despite this reality, existing regulatory frameworks predominantly assess chemicals on an individual basis. This disconnect may lead to regulatory inefficiencies and insufficient protection of human health and the environment.
The forum will address these challenges by presenting scientific insights on the health effects of chemical mixtures and by examining gaps in current regulatory approaches. Through expert presentations and a moderated panel discussion, participants will explore how mixture risk assessment can be better integrated into policy and regulatory decision-making.
By fostering dialogue between researchers, regulators, and policymakers, the event aims to support the development of more realistic, science-based regulatory strategies that reflect real-world chemical exposure scenarios. The forum will also provide an opportunity for participants to engage directly with leading experts during an interactive discussion and Q&A session.
Agenda:
10:00 – 10:10
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Overview of the EDC-MASLD project and objectives of the policy forum
- Tuulia Hyötyläinen, Örebro University
- Matej Orešič, Örebro University
- Jorke Kamstra, Utrecht University
- You Song, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (EDC-MASLD mixture strategy)
10:15 – 10:45
Panel Discussion: Chemical Mixtures and Regulatory Inefficiencies
Expert panel are:
- Beate Escher (Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research)
- Joëlle Rüegg (Uppsala University)
- Jacob van Klaveren (RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment)
- Thomas Backhaus (RWTH Aachen / University of Gothenburg)
Joint panel discussion followed by Q&A
11:45 – 12:00
Closing Remarks and Outlook
Summary of key discussion points and outlook on future policy engagement within the EDC-MASLD project
