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Nanomaterials can have different or new properties in comparison with conventional chemicals and materials. Meanwhile the substance legislations was partially adapted by nano-specific provisions; for parts however adaptation needs still exist. As a result, specific environmental risks cannot be fully described and assessed as well as appropriate measures to minimize the risks cannot be taken. ... read more

Flame retardants delay the ignition of flammable materials such as plastic, textile and wood and retard the flame propagation. This either prevents a fire from breaking out in the first place, or gives people more time to escape. Materials treated with flame retardants will generally be destroyed in a full fledged fire, though. Numerous chemicals are used as flame retardants. read more

In Germany, rodent control in the non-agricultural area relies heavily on the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, i.e. baits containing active substances that inhibit blood coagulation. Although these compounds have unacceptable effects on the environment, they were authorised under the European Biocidal Products Regulation. However, their authorisation is subject to strict risk mitigation meas... read more

Kreislaufwirtschaft, Geld und Umwelt, nachhaltiger Konsum und die Schattenseiten schnelllebiger Mode für Mensch und Umwelt in den Produktionsländern – das sind die Themen der diesjährigen Jahrespublikation des Umweltbundesamtes. Außerdem stellen wir Ihnen aktuelle Daten und Fakten zum UBA vor sowie unsere Forschungsarbeit zu Kunststoffen und unsere Bauprojekte. read more

Trifluoroacetate (TFA) is a mobile and persistent substance that is primarily introduced into the water cycle through the degradation of various fluorochemicals and remains in the environment in the long term. TFA can be detected in many water bodies in relatively high concentrations with some regional hotspots. This background paper presents current data and estimates on sources, input pathwa... read more

Bisphenol A ist in vielen Produkten unseres täglichen Lebens. Der größte Teil des produzierten Bisphenol A wird zu stabilen Kunststoffen verarbeitet (Polykarbonat und Epoxidharzen). Unter bestimmten Bedingungen kann sich die Chemikalie aus Gebrauchsgegenständen lösen – wie aus der Beschichtung von Dosen – und über die Nahrung oder über die Haut – wie bei  Thermopapier – in den menschlichen Kör... read more

Bisphenol A is found in many everyday products. The largest portion of manufactured bisphenol A is converted into stable plastics (polycarbonate and epoxy resins). Under certain conditions, the chemical can be released from consumer products – from can coatings, for instance – and enter the human body by way of food or through the skin, from thermal paper for example. In the human body the sub... read more