Toxicology and Risk Assessment
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at providing the specific knowledge about toxicology and risk assessment applied to the cosmetic field. The course will highlight the principles of cellular toxicity about skin, skin annexes and eye toxicology in terms of irritation, allergies, hypersensitivity, also related to daily exposure. Potential harmful effects of both natural and synthetic chemical compounds, used in the skincare formulations, make-up, and cleaning products will be analysed. Furthermore, the course will describe the tests used to evaluate the toxicity of cosmetics ingredient and the process of cosmetics risk assessment, divided in three steps: the hazard identification, the dose-response, and the exposure assessment.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will be able to:
- Describe with proper terminology the mechanisms of cell toxicity potentially induced by cosmetics;
- Describe the ingredients in cosmetics associated to their potentially toxic profile;
- Identify the most appropriate tests to be used to evaluate skin and eye toxicity;
- Describe the process of safety assessment process of cosmetic ingredients;
- Perform basic assays to evaluate cell toxicity and to interpret the results;
- Evaluate and analyse the risk assessment case studies.
- Describe with proper terminology the mechanisms of cell toxicity potentially induced by cosmetics;
- Describe the ingredients in cosmetics associated to their potentially toxic profile;
- Identify the most appropriate tests to be used to evaluate skin and eye toxicity;
- Describe the process of safety assessment process of cosmetic ingredients;
- Perform basic assays to evaluate cell toxicity and to interpret the results;
- Evaluate and analyse the risk assessment case studies.
Lesson period: Second semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Toxicology Module
- Introduction to the toxicology principles
- Skin toxicology: mechanisms of cell toxicity; classification of toxic effects; irritation, corrosivity, and skin sensitisation
- Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity
- Photo-induced toxicity; systemic toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine interference
- Eyes toxicology
- Respiratory toxicology
- Experimental assays required for safety evaluation and toxicological profile of cosmetic ingredients and finished products
- Alternative tests and new methodologies (NAMs).
Risk assessment Module
- Risk Assessment basic notion: hazard vs risk;
- Current national and international regulations on cosmetics;
- The SCCS: the European Scientifc Commette on Consumer Safety
- Local toxicity: the quantitative risk assessment (QRA)
- Safety assessment process: Hazard identification (NOAEL), Calculation of the exposure (SED), Risk characterization (MoS);
- Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA);
- Risk management and risk communication
- Introduction to the toxicology principles
- Skin toxicology: mechanisms of cell toxicity; classification of toxic effects; irritation, corrosivity, and skin sensitisation
- Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity
- Photo-induced toxicity; systemic toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine interference
- Eyes toxicology
- Respiratory toxicology
- Experimental assays required for safety evaluation and toxicological profile of cosmetic ingredients and finished products
- Alternative tests and new methodologies (NAMs).
Risk assessment Module
- Risk Assessment basic notion: hazard vs risk;
- Current national and international regulations on cosmetics;
- The SCCS: the European Scientifc Commette on Consumer Safety
- Local toxicity: the quantitative risk assessment (QRA)
- Safety assessment process: Hazard identification (NOAEL), Calculation of the exposure (SED), Risk characterization (MoS);
- Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA);
- Risk management and risk communication
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Frontal classes with slides, video support, and expert lessons. Laboratory experiences based on in vitro toxicity assays will be performed in the Toxicology module. In the Risk assessment module, the students will discuss case-studies and risk communication/management through power point presentations.
Teaching Resources
Slides presented during the classes, digital supplemental material, scientific papers (available on the ARIEL website).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in a multiple-choice test with 16 questions in 1 hour: 2 points for every correct answer, 0 points for unanswered/not correct answer. The exam is passed with a minimal score of 18.
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 6
Single bench laboratory practical: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Galbiati Valentina
Professor(s)