Biocides

© Fraunhofer IME

Data for a more realistic exposure and effects assessment

According to Directive 98/8/EC selected studies and tests have to be conducted before an active substance can be placed on the EU market as a biocidal product. Particular properties of the active substance, such as micelle formation or strong sorption as well as specific problems, e.g. the behavior of a substance in a sewage treatment plant, often require the adaptation of the test design of standard studies or the performance of tailored studies to achieve a more realistic risk assessment. An example is the conduction of sewage treatment plant simulation tests in closed systems which allow the calculation of mass balances in effluent, sewage sludge and gas phase. The development and optimization of test designs is one of the core competences of Fraunhofer IME.

On the grounds of Fraunhofer IME outdoor field studies are conducted under realistic weather conditions, e.g. to produce leaching data for different types of products such as PT 07 film preservatives, PT 08 wood preservatives or PT 10 masonry preservatives. Results obtained from more comprehensive studies aiming at the refinement of risk assessments are presented in expert groups as representative examples for the elaboration of guidelines.

Selected publications

Rüdel, H., Böhmer, W., Müller, M., Fliedner, A., Ricking, M., Teubner, D., Schröter-Kermani, C.:
Retrospective study of triclosan and methyl-triclosan residues in fish and suspended particulate matter: results from the German Environmental Specimen Bank. Chemosphere 91 (2013) 1517-1524 (doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.12.030)

Rüdel, H.:
Environmental monitoring of biocides: an emerging issue? Norman Bulletin - Network of Reference Laboratories for Monitoring of Environmental Substances. Online Journal (2012) No. 3: 3-4 (Download)