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(T/MF168) Environmental Risk Assessment of Substances with Unique Characteristics. Koch, Volker 1, Broschard, Thomas2, Holt, Martin3, Muller, S4, Parkerton, T5, Schoeters, I6, Stevens, C7, van Assche, F8, Willing, A9, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ABSTRACT- The Environmental Risk Assessment of certain chemicals as detailed in the current EU Technical Guidance Document cannot be accurately performed because 1) the extreme values of some of their physico-chemical properties lie beyond the limits of the validity of the underlying equations and / or 2) the methodology recommended is insufficient for generating unequivocal data needed to support the assessment. One or more of the following properties: (1) instability and reactivity, (2) multi-ionic state, (3) natural occurence and essentiality, (4) sorptivity, (5) surface activity, (6) volatility and (7) water solubility may give a substance unique characteristics. Substances with unique characteristics need tailored approaches in exposure and / or effects assessment to ensure that a proper risk characterisation for the different environmental compartments is obtained. Examples will be provided highlighting the difficulty in applying the current EU Technical Guidance for defining the PEC and / or PNEC of a substance with unique characteristics. Practical guidance to overcome these limitations will be discussed. Key words: ERA, methodology, alternative, property-related |
