David is a chemical fate and behaviour specialist and the head of Environmental Fate and Behaviour group at CEA. He is passionate about problem solving and providing solutions to difficult issues that may discourage other consultants. His expertise lies in studying the various processes that govern the fate and behaviour of chemicals and how these processes may influence the hazard and risks of such chemicals to humans and the environment. His broad range of professional experience has allowed him to contribute to numerous projects for Agrichemical and chemical industry clients under PPP, Biocides and REACH regulations. As such his work at CEA varies considerably, ranging from providing expertise to ensure regulatory compliance and performing exposure modelling and risk assessment, to horizon scanning and developing science-based advocacy strategies for clients.
David has worked in consultancy since 2019 as a chemical risk assessor, helping clients to comply with national and international chemical regulatory frameworks such as REACH. As a provider of expert knowledge on chemical biodegradation and persistence, much of his work focuses on providing solutions for complex technical and regulatory challenges related to the environmental fate of chemicals in the environment. This includes delivering advocacy strategies to support regulatory outcomes based on sound science and providing specialist advice on designing, monitoring and interpreting bespoke environmental fate studies.
He has previously worked for an international oil company on a range of contaminated land projects requiring detailed understanding of chemical risk assessment. He supported several high-profile projects including work with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Niger Delta Panel to develop science-based recommendations for the remediation and rehabilitation of biodiversity and habitats of oil spill sites in the Niger Delta. Part of his experience is laboratory-based, where he has worked on developing non-routine environmental testing methods. This experience has given him an extensive knowledge of environmental fate tests used to inform regulatory risk assessments of chemicals and an excellent understanding of a broad range of analytical tools and techniques used in the analysis of organic and inorganic molecules.
David has a PhD (Manchester University, UK) and has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles that have been cited over 3,000 times.
Outside of work David enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and trying to tire out his Border Collie with lots of long walks. He also gives some of his time to coach the local children’s rugby team.