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(05-06) Risk assessment of biocides: a case study on a wood preservative. Smit, Els*,1, Larsen, Jorgen2, 1 National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands2 Danish Environmental Protection Agency, Copenhagen K, Denmark ABSTRACT- In 1998, the EU Directive 98/8/EC concerning the placement of biocidal products on the market came into force. Substances that after dossier evaluation have been shown not to cause an unacceptable risk to humans, animals or the environment, will be placed on Annex I of the directive. The common principles for the dossier evaluation are laid down in Annex VI to the directive, and technical notes for guidance with respect to data requirements, dossier preparation and examination, and Annex I inclusion have been prepared under the responsibility of the Commission. To gain experience with the procedures, a pilot project was started as a co-operation of representatives from industry, regulatory bodies, and independent institutes. Two compounds were evaluated: one to be used as a paper slimicide or preservative in cooling water systems, and a wood preservative for vacuum-pressure impregnation. From the experience gathered with both compounds, it appeared that exposure assessment is the most difficult part of the risk assessment. To meet the demand for emission scenario's that adequately describe the exposure resulting from the specific types of use of biocides, several activities on a European and OECD level have been displayed, and some results could be implemented in the risk assessment. The evaluation of the wood preservative will be outlined in this presentation. Emphasis will be laid on the data requirements, the scenario's used for assessment of exposure and the methods used for effects assessment, and the needs for further work will be addressed. Key words: wood preservatives, biocides directive, emission scenario's |
