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2018
Conference Paper
Titel
Grouping and relative ranking of the impact potential of PBT/vPvB substances for comparative assessments in the context of socio-economic analysis under REACH
Titel Supplements
Abstract
Abstract
The assessment of PBT/vPvB substances under REACH may evaluate long-term exposure dynamics and impact potential. Grouping and relative ranking of PBT/vPvB substances can support comparative assessments of either several substances with the same use, or for a particular substance with different uses (emission patterns) in the context of socio-economic analysis (SEA). The aim of the grouping of PBT/vPvB substances is to classify a target chemical with respect to its similarity of properties/behaviour with chemicals with known impacts, serving as points of reference for the impact evaluation. The relative ranking of PBT/vPvB substances is based on an impact score, which captures diverse properties and effects of target substances. The impact score consists of individual scores assigned to expected environmental stocks, possible effects of PBTs/vPvBs on the environment and on human health via the environment (toxicological benchmarks), and to other specific concerns. The resulting fingerprints of concern (pattern of the individual scores) and the overall scores for impact potential can be used for comparative assessments. For example, if similar fingerprints are observed for two substances with a similar use, the total score gives an indication which substance might be less (or more) critical. For 17 case study chemicals, data on partitioning properties (log Kow, log Koa), stocks in water/sediment and soil, long range transport potential (LRTP), overall persistence (Pov), toxicological benchmark values for water and soil, CMR properties (H-phrases), endocrine disruption (ED) potential, production/emission volume, and use pattern have been collected from REACH dossiers or estimated with suitable tools. The examples illustrate the possibilities and present limitations of the grouping and relative ranking to describe and evaluate differences of PBTs/vPvB substances with regard to impact potential. Based on current knowledge, this grouping and relative ranking can guide the formation of concern-based categories for a possible read-across or comparative evaluation of impact potential of PBT/vPvB substances. Acknowledgement - This work was funded by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs under Contract number: 30-CE-0830972/00-26 'Approach for evaluation of PBTs subject to authorisation and restriction procedures in context of socio-economic analysis'.