A high-level overview of the OECD AOP Development Programme

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology and chemical safety assessment.
• Radiation research and radiological protection.
• Regulatory science and risk management.

Background:

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Chemical Safety Programme aims to ensure human and wildlife safety from toxicants.
• The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) approach integrates biological knowledge and test methodologies for efficient hazard identification and risk management.
• The OECD AOP Development Programme, launched in 2012, has matured and is expanding to new scientific disciplines, including the radiation field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide the radiation community with an overview of the OECD AOP Development Programme.
• To illustrate the application of AOPs using examples from chemical toxicology.
• To encourage the adoption and implementation of AOPs in radiation research and regulation.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of the OECD AOP Development Programme's evolution and principles.
• Presentation of case examples from chemical toxicology to demonstrate AOP application.
• Discussion of efforts toward quantitative AOP development and regulatory implementation.

Main Results:

• The OECD AOP framework offers a transparent and structured approach beneficial for both chemical and radiation safety.
• The programme has matured with increasing AOP endorsements and interdisciplinary engagement.
• A new OECD topical group focuses on evolving the AOP framework for radiation research and regulation.

Conclusions:

• Despite differing drivers, the principles of the AOP approach can benefit both chemical and radiation safety disciplines.
• Understanding the OECD AOP Development Programme's evolution and applications can motivate its expansion in the radiation field.
• The AOP framework holds potential for enhancing regulatory decision-making in radiation protection.