Chemicals are among the most heavily regulated areas in environmental protection. There is nevertheless a continuing need for action: chronic harm to health caused by chemicals in indoor air, consumer goods or foodstuffs remain problematic issues. Plant protection products affect not only "harmful" organisms but also many beneficial ones as well. Biocides are detrimental to water bodies. Pharmaceutical residues in soils and water pose a risk to the organisms living there. The reproductive capacity of plants and animals is impacted by the hormonal effects of chemicals. Finally, individual chemicals do not affect the environment but rather as compounds, often with a cumulative effect. Although some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go on the road to sustainable chemistry.
EU to retrospectively assess medicines - Internet portal launched for veterinary medical products for farmers and veterinarians
UBA and the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) organised an expert workshop in May 2017. The aim was to exchange views on the potential applicability of the FET test for regulatory purposes under REACH, Biocidal Products- and Classifcation and Packaging Regulation and explore how it might be used as part of weight of evidence approaches for acute fish toxicity.
The OECD Test Guideline No. 318 features the very first standardized test method particular for nanomaterials adopted by OECD. It is one important component needed for the adaptation of nanospecific requirements for environmental risk assessment applied within legislations on chemical safety.
Certain substances are harmful to man and the environment. The AskREACH project will raise awareness on Substances of Very High Concern in articles among the European population, retailers and industry. Consumers can use a smartphone app to get information on such substances or send requests for information to suppliers. The European Chemicals Regulation REACH provides the legal framework.
On 10th and 11th of October 2017, the German Ministry for the Environment and UBA will host a Scientific Stakeholder Meeting on Nanomaterials in the Environment at the headquarters of UBA in Dessau-Roßlau, Germany.
The ISC3 is located in the UN-city of Bonn and will be the driving force enabling emerging economies and developing countries to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The German Environment Agency wants better protection of drinking water against "mobile" contaminants, chemicals which have entered the water cycle because they do not bind to solids such as sand or activated carbon.
The condition of Germany's rivers continues to improve. The Rhine and many other rivers have many more fish species than 30 years ago. Salmon – once virtually wiped out – are once again at home in German waters. Some stretches of the Danube have “good” to “very good” ecological status, rating best among all Germany’s rivers. There is still a need for action along the Weser and Ems rivers.
The German higher federal authorities responsible for human and environmental safety reviewed the joint research strategy "Nanotechnology - Risks related to Nanomaterials for Humans and the Environment ".
Antibiotics used in livestock breeding and in human medicine can find their way into groundwater says a recent study by the German Environment Agency (UBA). Maria Krautzberger, President of UBA, commented: "Groundwater must stay clean. This is the reason why the German Environment Agency has issued a recommendation for a threshold for antibiotics in groundwater."
Until now, with few exceptions, there are no specific provisions for nanomaterials within the substance legislations. As a result, specific environmental risks cannot be described and assessed adequately. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to outline the necessary further development of chemi¬cals regulations for nanomaterials with regard to the environment from UBA´s perspective.
After Dresden, Moscow, Ottawa, Foz do Iguaçu and Durban, the IUPAC Green Chemistry Conferences Series moves to Italy; the Sixth Event will be held in Venice on 4th-8th September 2016.
