The grouping of chemicals with effects on reproduction and development for the purpose of cumulative risk assessment in Europe

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is developing approaches for cumulative risk assessment by assigning chemicals (pesticides) to cumulative assessment groups (CAGs) based on common toxic effects on the target system. This document a reviews and refines the approach for reproduction and developmental toxicity published in 2016, to identify relevant substances for grouping with guidance for discriminating between direct effects on the reproductive system or on development of the offspring and those effects which are secondary to other toxicities. The refined approach is then considered in relation to the Classification, Labelling & Packaging (CLP) criteria based on which pesticides are classified for adverse effects on sexual function and fertility, for adverse effects on development of the offspring or for adverse effects on or via lactation. The proposed grouping of effects and accompanying guidance are intended to facilitate knowledge-based interpretation of data from test guideline reproduction and developmental toxicity studies for the purpose of cumulative risk assessment.