Sponsor
German Federal Environment Agency (UBA FKZ 3709 65 402)
Realisation
Hydrotox GmbH
Stefan Gartiser (project management) und Ismene Jäger
Project duration
November 2009 – June 2010
Project description
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.
The RMM proposed in "Competent Authority Reports" and considered in the "Inclusion Directives" are based on the intended uses and the representative biocidal product and might not cover all applications. Product labels, safety data sheets and technical leaflets often provide useful additional information. Good and best practice documents are important supporting tools for RMM to be implemented. Product integrated RMM implemented during product development, design and distribution are immediately practicable while those which refer to the user of biocidal products mainly depend on the communication of risks, risk awareness, education, specific training and of the available information. The label recommendations on proper application of the biocidal product are an important tool for risk communication.
Not all RMM proposed can be addressed during authorisation but have to be tackled in other regulatory areas, e.g. the development of BAT or other best practices. Thus, apart from RMM being addressed in regulatory decisions, a broader strategy of sustainable use of biocides is required in order to increase the practicability of RMM. Little information is available on the quantitative efficiency of RMM which hinders their consideration in the risk assessment. More specific RMM may be included in the authorisations of biocidal products when full information on the formulation and the conditions of use are available.
Further Informationen
The final report (in English) has been published as UBA-Texte Nr. 01/2011. In a follow-up project risk mitigation measures for disinfectants are being evaluated.
The 
final report can be downloaded from the UBA website.
Contact person at Hydrotox is Stefan Gartiser. Mail: 
Gartiser(at)hydrotox.de, phone: +49-(0)761-45512-24