Moving toward next-generation environmental risk assessment of chemicals in China

Rapid industrial development and its inherent use of chemicals raise environmental concerns in China, and their risk assessment and management remain challenging. Next-generation environmental risk assessment (environmental NGRA), as an exposure-led, hypothesis-driven approach, is a promising framework to address this challenge and better protect human and environmental health. This brief communication stems from the recent, first multistakeholder workshop on environmental NGRA in China, which brought together regulators, academia, and industry. We reviewed current progress and identified challenges for implementation of environmental NGRA in China, focusing on scientific advancements and regulatory application of spatially explicit exposure modeling and new approach methodologies (NAMs). More importantly, we identified future opportunities and key prioritized actions to advance its implementation in China. Four key recommendations were identified to accelerate implementation, including: (i) create a multipartite discussion forum (e.g., a working group) to support and guide the development and application of environmental NGRA; (ii) develop an environmental NGRA framework and roadmap in China; (iii) develop case studies integrating human and environmental safety; and (iv) foster international collaboration for the co-development of best practice in environmental NGRA ensuring global alignment where possible. Overall, we provide a forward-looking perspective on its scientific, regulatory, and technical dimensions, marking a critical milestone for advancing next-generation safety science in China.