One Health Toxicology

Protecting health by uncovering how environmental contaminants disrupt biological systems

The research in the IRAS-One Health Toxicology group aims to safeguard human, animal and environmental health by advancing mechanistic and predictive toxicology and exposure assessment. Our mission is to strengthen the scientific basis of toxicological risk assessment through research and education. Four research groups—Endocrine Toxicology, Exposure Assessment, Immunotoxicology, and Neurotoxicology—jointly pursue high-quality, integrated research spanning toxicological mechanisms and comprehensive exposure characterisation.

Our group advances toxicology to protect health and environment through innovative research that is interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral

Our work in the research groups converges in two overarching themes: next-generation risk assessment and complex contaminants. These themes integrate new approach methodologies (NAMs), mechanistic insights, computational methods and exposure analysis to accelerate the transition to animal-free safety assessment, while addressing emerging challenges such as micro- and nanoplastics and safe alternatives to chemicals and materials. Strategic collaborations with several national institutes (RIVM, KWR and the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences) enhance expertise in inhalation toxicology, water quality, and innovative testing and data science, enabling broad interdisciplinary and translational research across One Health domains.

Example of the IRAS One Health Toxicology microplastics research in the interdisciplinary MOMENTUM project: https://momentummicroplastics.nl/

Endocrine Toxicology

The Endocrine Toxicology (ETX) group investigates how environmental chemicals interfere with hormonal and metabolic processes. We focus on identifying and characterising the toxicity of endocrine and metabolism-disrupting chemicals through in vitro and alternative models that are relevant for humans, including stem cell systems and zebrafish. Our main research lines are reproduction and development and metabolic disruption. Both research lines combine molecular toxicology, high-content imaging, and multi-omics approaches to elucidate mechanisms of action and support next-generation risk assessment. We contribute to the development and validation of new approach methodologies for regulatory use, bridging fundamental research with applied safety assessment.

To better protect health, we need to understand how endocrine disrupting chemicals interfere with the molecular processes that can lead to disease

Exposure Assessment

Research in the Exposure Assessment group focuses on quantifying and understanding exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides, oils, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and PFA, in the environment and in laboratory settings (in vivo and in vitro toxicity assays). We study the processes controlling exposure and internal concentrations in organisms (sorption and bioaccumulation; bioavailability) and determine parameters describing these processes (distribution coefficients), which are required for computer modeling. To this end, we apply state-of-the-art techniques, such as passive sampling methods and chemical analytical techniques (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS).

Further, we aim to improve the experimental design and data interpretation of toxicity assays, such that exposure is better controlled or characterised, and to develop novel experimental approaches for dosing, sampling, and studying or reducing exposure. We collaborate in national and international research projects but also perform contract research and consultancy, such as commercial analytical measurements and data analyses.

Exposure assessment is crucial in toxicology and risk assessment; after all, 'the dose makes the poison' (Paracelsus, 1538)

Immunotoxicology

Human dendritic cells loaded with 1 µm polystyrene microplastics

Research of the Immunotoxicology group aims at understanding and predicting how chemicals and particulates affect the immune system. Our projects are focused on studying the effects of such substances on the innate immune response, as this drives adverse events such as inflammatory diseases, including allergies and autoimmune diseases. Currently, we study effects of complex substances (micro- and nanoplastics) or mixtures of substances (endocrine disruptors), on innate immune cells and epithelial cells in vitro. We study the effects of these substances in combination with microbial components to mimic effects in the context of real-world exposures.

Immunotoxicity of substances should be studied in the context of real-world situations that affect the immune response

Neurotoxicology

The Neurotoxicology group investigates how environmental and chemical stressors affect the nervous system using advanced, animal-free in vitro models. Focusing on neuronal communication, network activity, and neurodevelopment, we apply techniques like micro-electrode arrays and real-time calcium imaging to assess neurotoxicity. We also use human blood-brain barrier models to study how substances reach and impact the brain. Our research supports the development of human-relevant assays for next-generation risk assessment. We study a wide range of substances, including pesticides, drugs, and micro- and nanoplastics, and collaborate in national and international projects to promote animal-free testing. By combining mechanistic insight with functional endpoints, we aim to improve chemical safety and protect human health.

The nervous system is vital. To protect it, we must understand if and how drugs, chemicals, or environmental factors can harm it

Group members