This session highlights cutting-edge research, practical applications, and emerging trends in ecotoxicity testing, with a focus on reducing reliance on traditional animal-based methods and enhancing environmental protection. Whether you're a seasoned scientist or simply curious about the future of environmental toxicology, Eco-NAMs offers a unique opportunity to engage with the science shaping tomorrow’s ecological safety standards.

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) is used to understand the potential risk to organisms (e.g., fish, birds, etc.) posed by chemicals released into the environment. This presentation will discuss the importance of the volume/mass of chemicals and ingredients released, pathways into the environment, prediction of environmental concentrations (e.g., soil, water), and concentrations which could have negative effects on organisms in the environment.

Personal care products (PCPs) have dramatically increased over the last several decades and will continue to do so. Because of their increased use, PCPs have been found in wastewater, which is discharged to the environment. Surveys in the US and globally have detected PCPs in surface water, however, the mere presence does not specifically indicate harm, because most of these concentrations are below environmentally relevant levels. While PCPs may occur in soil and air, this presentation focuses on aquatic environments, as discharges to surface water are the most common pathways for PCPs to enter the environment and the associated wastewater treatment processes. Removal of PCPs by conventional wastewater treatment technology varies broadly from low (<50% removal) to high (>80% removal). Advanced wastewater treatment such as membrane biological reactor (MBR) and sequencing batch reactor (SBR), often using additional technologies such as oxidation and ultrafiltration or nanofiltration systems, are much more efficient at degrading PCPs due to using both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Removal rates of these advanced treatment strategies have been reported at 90% to above 95%. In addition to discussing wastewater treatment processes, this presentation will also discuss wastewater permitting, such as NPDES permitting and/or pretreatment requirements, with specific consideration to PCPs.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used antimicrobial agents in personal care products, disinfectants, and cosmetics. This session will examine the environmental fate, toxicity mechanisms, and ecological and health impacts of QACs released from personal care products into aquatic, residential, and terrestrial environments. Special attention will be drawn to the evaluation of data quality and its suitability for risk assessment and regulatory decision-making.

Plastic is a huge part of the global consumer product market today.  Microplastics can come from the breakdown of the consumer products themselves or can be added intentionally to endow other properties to the products. Consumers are becoming more wary of the impacts of microplastics on the environment and on their health. In this presentation, Dr. Cowger will cover the current scientific knowledge about microplastics from consumer products, current and proposed policies, best practices in product development, and techniques for monitoring and tracking progress in reducing microplastic release from consumer products.

Effective science and risk communication is critical to building trust, enhancing regulatory understanding, and supporting informed decision-making in chemical policy. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), chemical risk evaluation and management involve complex scientific analyses, nuanced regulatory frameworks, and a wide range of stakeholder perspectives—from government agencies and industry to NGOs and the public.

In this session, Dr. Hartigan will explore the importance of transparent, accurate, and audience-tailored communication in the TSCA context. Through real-world case examples from recent risk evaluations and management actions, it will highlight common communication challenges and showcase strategies for translating technical findings into clear, credible, and constructive messages. Attendees will gain insights into how effective communication can reduce confusion, foster trust, and support meaningful engagement across diverse audiences.

This presentation will examine the importance of transparent, accurate, and audience-appropriate communication. Using case examples from recent risk evaluations and management actions under TSCA, it will highlight both challenges and opportunities in translating technical findings for expert and non-expert stakeholders. The discussion will offer insights for conveying complex science in ways that are clear, credible, and constructive, supporting more informed engagement across regulators, industry, and the broader public.