1. NOMIRACLE
Novel Methods for Integrated Risk Assessment of Cumulative Stressors in Europe
Integrated Project to Call FP Global-2
Priority of the Sixth Framework Programme: ‘Global Change and Ecosystems’
Topic VII.1.1.a (‘Development of risk assessment methodologies’)
Co-ordinator: Dr. Hans Løkke
National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark

2. The European Environment & Health Action Plan 2004-2010
NOMIRACLE will develop methodological systems to analyse interactions between environment and health (Action No 7)
NOMIRACLE will develop Integrated Risk Assessment methodologies and models for evaluating cumulative effects, interaction between stressors and their influence on human health

3. ITM SYKE NERI UWC UFZ LMC
LHASA Ltd
USOUTH
ITM
SYKE
ULANC
WRcNSF
UCAM WU
NERI
APINI
DESUN
UWC VU
EKUT
NERC
Alterra
LIMCO
UJAG
UFZ UA
RWTHA
RIVM
ETC
LEMTEC
NIHP
DIA
SYMLOG
EWAG
USALZ
EPFL
FAL
JRC-IES
UNIMIB
LMC
DBUA
DSTA
URV
ENVI
SICC

4. Science & technology objectives
1. To develop new methods for assessing the cumulative risks from combined exposures to several stressors including mixtures of chemical and physical/biological agents
2. To achieve more effective integration of the risk analysis of environmental and human health effects
3. To improve our understanding of complex exposure situations and develop adequate tools for sound exposure assessment
4. To develop a research framework for the description and interpretation of cumulative exposure and effect

5. Science & technology objectives
5. To quantify, characterise and reduce uncertainty in current risk assessment methodologies, e.g. by improvement of the scientific basis for setting safety factors
6. To develop assessment methods which take into account geographical, ecological, social and cultural differences in risk concepts and risk perceptions across Europe
7. To improve the provisions for the application of the precautionary principle and to promote its operational integration with evidence-based assessment methodologies

6. Exposure scenarios Aquatic species Terrestrial species
Mammalian model and humans
Integrated understanding of effect mechanisms for single and cumulative exposures

7. Stressors involved Chemicals (mixtures) Patogenes Climate Particles
Acidification
Eutrophication
Anoxia
Other

8. Selection of VOC and semi-VOC
Molecules designed for provoking significant interactions with biological structures
Pesticides
Biocides
Pharmaceuticals
Selection of VOC and semi-VOC
Selected industrial chemicals
Trace metals

9. Media and exposure Human and environment aquatic environment
terrestrial environment
Exposure through water and air including indoor exposure for humans and the risk of exposure to chemicals in products

10. Examples on topics: Default assumptions
Deterministic assessment factors
Mixture toxicity
Multiple stressors
Spatial differentiation
Temporal variation
Inter-individual variation
Uncertainty
Critical stress levels