04/01/2010

Concept development on the assessment of cumulative exposure to the environment

German Federal Environment Agency, FKZ 360 04 030, project duration 10/2009 - 04/2010

Sponsor

German Federal Environment Agency (UBA FKZ 360 04 030)

Realisation

Öko-Institut e.V., Rita Groß (project management)
Hydrotox GmbH, Stefan Gartiser

Project duration

October 2009 – April 2010

Project description

Article 10(1) of the EU Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC (BPD) requires that for the inclusion of an active substance in Annex I, Annex IA or IB, cumulation effects from the use of biocidal products containing the same active substance shall be taken into account, where relevant. The study proves the feasibility of a technical realisation of Article 10(1) of the BPD and elaborates a first concept for the cumulative environmental exposure assessment of biocides. Existing requirements concerning cumulative assessments in other regulatory frameworks have been evaluated and their applicability for biocides has been examined. Technical terms and definitions used in this context were documented with the aim to harmonise terminology with other frameworks and to set up a precise definition within the BPD. Furthermore, application conditions of biocidal products have been analysed to find out for which cumulative exposure assessments may be relevant. Different parameters were identified which might serve as indicators for the relevance of cumulative exposure assessments. These indicators were then integrated in a flow chart by means of which the relevance of cumulative exposure assessments can be checked. Finally, proposals for the technical performance of cumulative exposure assessments within the Review Programme have been elaborated with the aim to bring the results of the project into the upcoming development and harmonization processes on EU level.In assessing the impact of biocides on the environment, specific risk mitigation measures (RMM) may be required to reduce the risks for the environment. RMM can be considered to be instruments of risk management. The practicability of RMM proposed by authorities, industry and users of biocides have been assessed with particular emphasis on wood preservatives and insecticides.

Further Informationen

The final report (in English) has been published as UBA-Texte Nr. 88/2011. In a follow-up project risk a guidance document on cumulative exposure of biocides to the environment is being elaborated which shall be harmonized on the EU level.

The Öffnet externen Link in neuem Fensterfinal report can be downloaded from the UBA website.

Contact person at Hydrotox is Stefan Gartiser. Mail: Öffnet ein Fenster zum Versenden der E-MailGartiser(at)hydrotox.de, phone: +49-(0)761-45512-24

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