November 2024 Edition
Welcome to another edition of the Integral Digest. Our scientists and engineers work to bring innovative solutions to complex problems faced by our clients. We are sharing our insights with you on a variety of topics—here are some of our recent highlights.
Marine Renewable Energy
Deploying Seatrec's InfiniTE(TM) Float
To advance deepwater soundscape exploration, our Kaustubha (Kaus) Raghukumar is leading a research team from SEATREC Inc., Proteus Technologies LLC, Monterey Bay Research Institute, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to develop and demonstrate the first ever autonomous, near real-time, directional acoustic profiling float powered by marine renewable energy.
On September 23–27, 2024, they deployed a modified version of Seatrec’s infiniTE float for its first field demonstration off the coast of Oceanside, California. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dRTR3rfa
Toxicology and Industrial Health
How do you set protective exposure limits for novel chemicals when no toxicity data exist?
In their latest publication in Toxicology and Industrial Health, Ernest Fung, PhD, DABT, ERT , Andrew Maier , Ph.D., CIH, DABT, and co-authors introduce a framework for assigning occupational exposure bands using in silico tools—specifically designed for chemicals lacking empirical data.
The results: An evaluation using a case study approach suggests this framework delivers protective workers health guidelines, giving environmental health and safety professionals and R&D teams a practical tool for risk management during early-stage development of chemicals. Read the full publication to learn:
?? How the framework bridges current data gaps
?? Evaluation results against known chemicals
?? Practical implementation in biotech settings
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Emerging Contaminants
EU regulators consider shift away from total PFAS ban.
On November 20, 2024, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and five member states updated their assessment of PFAS restrictions in the EU.
This update stems from a proposal made nearly 2 years ago, when authorities from the EU member states of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden introduced comprehensive PFAS restrictions targeting more than 10,000 substances across 14+ industry sectors.
Rather than implementing a complete ban, the recent update signals that ECHA is exploring options. These could include varying restrictions by industry sectors and allowing PFAS use and manufacturing to continue in uses for which alternatives do not yet exist.
Initial assessments are now complete for five key sectors: consumer products, cosmetics, ski wax, metal plating, and petroleum/mining. These findings will be included in the final opinion after risks and feasibility determinations for all industry sectors are evaluated by the Committee for Risk Assessment and Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis.
Though the original plan aimed for a final European Commission decision by 2025, the timeline might shift because several industry sectors remain to be assessed.
Our experts at Integral Consulting Inc. can help you navigate the complex and dynamic PFAS regulatory landscape. Questions about what this could mean for your business? Reach out to Elizabeth Hofstetter or Kristian Fried .
Company News
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Interested in joining our team? We're hiring! Check out our open positions.