Alternatives assessment: An analysis on progress and future needs for research and practice.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Risk Assessment
• Chemical Policy

Background:

• Alternatives assessment (AA) supports substituting hazardous chemicals with safer options.
• AA frameworks and policies have driven field growth over recent decades.
• Previous work identified 14 research and practice needs across five critical areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight methodological advances in AA based on identified needs.
• To propose future research and practice developments in AA.

Main Methods:

• A broad literature review of 154 sources published between 2013 and 2022 was conducted.
• Advances were assessed against previously identified research and practice needs in AA.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in addressing AA needs.
• Several critical areas remain underaddressed, including mixture hazard assessment, lifecycle integration, and practical decision-making approaches.
• Gaps persist in assessing hazards of chemical mixtures and different chemical forms.

Conclusions:

• The field of AA has matured but requires further development.
• Future research should focus on standardized mixture hazard assessment and integrating lifecycle considerations and equity/justice into AA.
• Addressing identified gaps will enhance the transition to safer chemicals and products.