environmental risk assessment

Chemicals are often blended during processing and frequently released into the environment together with other chemicals. REACH so far only assesses individual chemicals and derives acceptable environmental concentrations. Joint exposures and joint effects may give rise to additional risks. It is therefore important to assess and regulate mixtures of chemicals.

Biocidal antifouling products are subject to authorisation in Germany. In order to meet the requirements for authorisation, an environmental risk assessment must be carried out. With two publications, the Federal Environment Agency provides important notes and information on the general conditions for this assessment in Germany. These publications are presented briefly below.