Developing a Screening Environmental Assessment Framework for Fragrances

Our Challenge

Our client sought to update their environmental risk screening assessment framework that has been used to prioritize and evaluate environmental risk posed by fragrance materials in consumer products. The goal was to incorporate advances in models to predict environmental fate and ecological hazard assessment predictive tools for ecological hazard assessment into the framework and expand the geographic scope of the screening assessments resulting in more robust and faster assessment while requiring fewer resources. This included resolving technical issues such as biodegradation processes, wastewater treatment removal options, and direct discharge assessment methods.

Our Approach

We followed a three step process:

1. Technical Resolution: Integral collaborated with the client and a task force of industry representatives to address remaining technical matters in the framework. This included refining the exposure assessment methods which included incorporation of chemical-specific biodegradation testing into a decision tree for use in the screening assessments. Integral also implemented an alternative effects screening approach using toxicological thresholds which eliminates the need for large uncertainty factors required with the Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) approach yet provides a comprehensive and conservative screening level for all fragrance materials. Integral presented the final framework approach, justifications, and uncertainties to both the client’s technical work group of industry representatives and an external expert panel of academics.
2. Screening Database and Application: Integral developed a comprehensive computer application to support the client in executing screening assessments, alongside a detailed database of screening parameters used in the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) framework. This application allows the client to perform both single-chemical and multi-chemical screening assessments, reporting the predicted environmental concentration and outcomes at each tier of the assessment. Additionally, the application includes advanced options for users to perform custom, chemical-specific refinements for substances that did not pass the initial screening tiers, aligning with the updated ERA framework.
3. Finalization: Following feedback from the client, the technical work group, and the expert panel, Integral incorporated comments into the final Environmental Assessment Framework manuscript. This manuscript will guide the client and stakeholders through the environmental screening assessment process, ensuring transparency and clarity on the framework assessment’s rationale and uncertainties.

Our Impact

The completion of the Environmental Assessment Framework represented several key accomplishments:

• Created a decision tree/flow diagram illustrating the complete framework.
• Conducted presentations to the client’s technical work group and expert panel, incorporating their feedback into the final manuscript.
• Developed a software application for the client to conduct environmental screening assessments on their fragrance materials portfolio. This application incorporates the updated ERA framework methods and data, along with enhanced assessment options to refine exposure and hazard information in line with scientific advancements.
• Published the approach in a peer-reviewed journal.

The finalized Environmental Assessment Framework equipped the client with a robust methodology to evaluate the environmental health and safety impacts of fragrances and fragrance materials in consumer products. This framework not only enhances transparency but also ensures that the client’s products meet environmental safety standards, thereby promoting responsible and sustainable consumer product development.