SETAC Europe 2025
Providing competent, innovative and independent scientific advice to deliver solutions to the specific challenges our customers face.
Minimising environmental impacts
We deliver scientific advice and expertise across a broad range of hazard and risk assessment and wider regulatory issues, including providing support for businesses placing chemical products, substances and mixtures on markets, monitoring lists, and evaluating regulatory tests. Our team of experts provide specialist support and guidance in developing alternative approaches to standard testing requirements.
Meet our team of experts
Meet the experts attending SETAC 2025.
Platforms and posters
A free, regulatory-aligned software developed to support weight-of-evidence (WoE) determinations in persistence assessments of chemical substances, addressing current gaps in data quality evaluation and integration. It follows a structured, stepwise methodology—aligned with EU REACH and recent ECHA guidance—to gather, assess, and synthesise data across multiple lines of evidence (LoE), ensuring transparent and robust conclusions. The tool includes features for study quality scoring, simulation test analysis, and optional overall persistence modelling. An updated version of PAT is in development to improve usability, flexibility, and stakeholder adoption, based on user feedback.
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This study assessed the presence and risk of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in drinking water across England and Wales through a 12-month sampling campaign at multiple treatment sites. OPFRs, used in consumer products, are mobile, persistent in water, and linked to health risks such as neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption. The research identified several OPFRs in both raw and treated water—particularly TEHP, TCIPP, EHDPP, TCEP, and TEP—mostly at nanogram-per-litre levels. While conventional treatment often removed a portion of these chemicals, advanced treatment was more effective. Despite some exceedances, the overall human health risk from OPFR exposure via drinking water was determined to be low, with risk characterisation ratios (RCRs) generally below 1. The study also found that emission estimates may be overly conservative, further supporting a low-risk conclusion under current conditions.
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Presenting a trend analysis of Bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations in surface waters and sediments across Europe, aiming to inform a similar study in North America. BPA, widely used in consumer products, is under increased regulatory scrutiny due to its endocrine-disrupting properties. The study reviewed over 85,000 BPA measurements, but found only 46% met new CREED quality standards, exposing data reliability issues. European data—particularly from France and Germany—showed statistically significant declines in BPA levels in freshwater environments from 2010 to 2022, likely due to regulatory action and BPA-free initiatives. The upcoming North American study will apply the same methodology, though early findings suggest limited high-quality data is currently available.
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The OECD 309 test guideline (TG) is the primary method under REACH for
assessing aerobic biodegradation in surface waters, especially for soluble
compounds, with increasing global use and regulatory importance. However, degradation kinetics can be highly variable due to variability in test parameters
and inoculum characteristics, including microbial diversity, surface water
composition, temperature, and storage conditions. The Cefic-LRI ECO55 project aims to address OECD 309 issues, such as by exploring potential new reference substances.
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Environmental chemistry and toxicology
The global sustainability agenda is forcing governments to radically reconsider how we use chemicals, and their impact on human health and the environment.
Providing end-to-end solutions for organisations utilising chemicals, substances and mixtures in their product manufacture or processes, Ricardo's environmental and chemistry experience can support businesses in finding new and alternative solutions with measured and researched approaches to product design and innovation. Through accurate testing and detailed research, oraganisations are able to maintain their resilience and minimise risk, even during periods of regulatory change.
Chemical product sustainability
Decarbonise your business practices, transition to products that are Safe and Sustainable by Design, reduce your environmental toxicological risks and take steps towards a circular and low carbon economy with our expertise and experience we can support your business with all aspects of sustainability.
Regulatory compliance
With experienced subject matter experts in chemical sector regulations and compliance, Ricardo can support businesses in placing, monitoring, and transporting chemical products across the globe.
Emergency response
Protect people, environment, assets and reputation with our specialist 24/7/365 helplines, software and reliable advice backed by insurance to maintain compliance, while supporting your wider sustainability and chemical safety strategies.
Work with us
Join our team of passionate product safety specialists and toxicology experts, and together, we can make a profound impact on one of the world's most critical industries. Help us create a safer, more sustainable world.