SafeCREW Policy Brief #1 Advancing NAM/EBM for the Assessment of Disinfection By-Products and Complex Chemical Mixtures in Drinking Water

The first SafeCREW Policy Brief addresses the toxicity assessment of mixtures of DBPs and other pollutants in drinking water, with a focus on non-animal, effect-based methods. Policy recommendations: 1. Promote the use of NAM/EBM-based bioanalysis Encourage the integration of validated human-relevant in vitro methods to assess DBPs, DBP-related substances, water contact materials, and drinking water quality. 2. Increase dedicated Horizon Europe funding Support research and innovation initiatives that advance the validation, harmonisation, and regulatory acceptance of NAM/EBMs for water quality assessment. 3. Strengthen training and capacity-building Facilitate the transition from single-compound testing to mixture toxicity assessment through targeted training programmes and stakeholder outreach. 4. Foster next-generation, NAM-based regulatory frameworks Promote the development and adoption of innovative regulatory concepts such as those described in CEN Workshop Agreement 18201, enabling faster and more reliable chemical safety assessment without animal testing. 5. Develop a European roadmap for a NAM/EBM-based regulatory system Establish a clear, stepwise roadmap aligned with recent EU Council conclusions to modernise chemical risk assessment and achieve the Zero Pollution vision.