Use Of Biocidal Products Research Articles

The use of biocidal products to control urban pests and vector arthropods

Abstract Pest management and vector control are important for their impact on health, quality of life, and the economy of touristic areas. The many different methods with which insecticides are applied, the specific equipment required, and the lack of clear terms often give rise to confusion and misunderstandings. This paper organises and describes their application methods, equipment, and most suitable use, and highlights their strengths and weaknesses.

Potential health risks to disinfection workers from exposure to active substances in COVID-19 biocidal products

The importance of disinfection has recently been emphasized due to the increasing risk of the spread of infections such as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). In addition, disinfection for preventing the spread of COVID-19 is highly recommended. The increased use of biocidal products raises concerns regarding the potential health risks from exposure among disinfection workers. This study aimed to assess these exposure and health risks using questionnaires targeting disinfection workers who were exposed to the active substances in biocidal products used for disinfection during the COVID-19 pandemic. A follow-up survey was conducted among 271 disinfection workers for 10 working days within two weeks, and exposure factors with reference to disinfection were evaluated through interview-administered questionnaires. An exposure algorithm was used to evaluate the exposure of disinfection workers during disinfection. The hazard index (HI) was calculated by dividing the inhalation concentration obtained using the exposure algorithm and the dermal dose according to occupational exposure limits (OEL). A sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the exposure factors with the greatest impact on the inhalation and dermal exposure algorithms. A logistic regression analysis was performed to verify the relationship with health effects and sociodemographic and exposure characteristics. The average number of disinfections performed during 10 working days was 17.5 ± 12.3 times. The type of disinfection work was divided into 2806 cases of COVID-19 prevention and disinfection and 1956 cases of regular pesticide application to prevent and remove any pests. The HI was ≥1, indicating a potential health risk, with the use of ethanol (6.50E+00), quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs; 1.49E+01), and benzalkonium chloride (BKC; 1.73E+00). Dermal exposure was more hazardous than inhalation exposure for 6 of the 11 active substances in biocidal products. The weight fraction and exposure time were the factors that most significantly influenced the inhalation and dermal exposure algorithms in the sensitivity analysis. Higher exposure concentrations were more likely to affect health (AOR: 3.239, 95% CI: 1.155–9.082). This study provides valuable information regarding the exposure and risk of disinfection workers to 11 biocidal active substances included in common disinfectants. Our results suggest that the use of ethanol, BKC, and QACs has potential health risks to disinfection workers, with a higher possibility of negative health impacts with increasing exposure concentration.

Compliance Challenges of the Automotive Industry Concerning Obligations of Article 33 REACH

In the last 15 years, the European Union has fundamentally renewed and expanded the regulation of chemicals. It inter alia integrated international treaties on substance use such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants into the legal framework (in this case the EU-POP Regulation), regulated the use of biocidal products, and harmonised the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals. As a central element, the REACH Regulation governs the complete supply chain for chemicals right through to the consumer with the aim of ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment. This examination compares the target state of the regulations from Art. 33 REACH with the status quo of the compliance measures in order to identify the delta in terms of compliance deficiencies. It also takes into account the incentives and impediments which influence the actors in the goal attainment. From these findings, the analysis concludes with recommendations for the relevant actors.

AN OVERVIEW ON CURRENT REGULATION AND EVALUATION OF BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS

A biocidal product is a substance or mixture prepared to limit, destroy, neutralize or control the effects of a harmful microorganism, plants and animals. The active substance in a biocidal product can be a natural oil or extract, a chemical substance or a microorganism, virus or fungus. Biocides consist of four main groups: disinfectants, preservatives (wood, paint, etc.), pest control and other type of biocidal products. A biocidal substance can also be added to a product to make the product itself into a biocidal product. These products range from disinfectants, hand sanitizers, preservatives, insect repellents, to rodenticides and insecticides and are used to protect humans, animals, materials and articles by controlling the intended target organism by a chemical or biological action. To make sure the use of biocidal products do not have unacceptable risks for people, animals and the environment, they are regulated to control their marketing, sale and use. In the current study biocidal products have been overviewed in the scope of current European Union regulations, product types and conformity tests.
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Combining detergent/disinfectant with microfibre material provides a better control of microbial contaminants on surfaces than the use of water alone

The use of microfibre cloths with either water, detergent or disinfectant is currently recommended for hospital cleaning. This study explored the efficacy of a microfibre cloth with either water or detergent/disinfectant or sporicidal products using the ASTM2967-15 standard against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii and Clostridium difficile spores. The use of detergent/disinfectant or sporicidal products had a significantly (analysis of variance (ANOVA), P<0.001) better activity than water alone in reducing bacteria and spores' viability, and in reducing the transfer microorganisms between surfaces. The use of water alone with a microfibre cloth is less effective and should not replace the use of biocidal products.

The Paramount Importance of Technical Equivalence Assessment for Active Substances in Crop Protection and Biocidal Products

This article outlines the importance of assessing the technical equivalence regarding the chemical composition and hazard profile for different new sources of an active substance compared to the reference source of the same active substance used for the initial risk assessement. The legal provisions of past directives and two current regulations as last amended, Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 concerning the placing on the market and use of biocidal products, are addressed in detail. Moreover, the harmonised procedures for assessing technical equivalence of different sources, based on the information presented in different supporting guidelines, are portrayed and discussed. Following the presentation of all legal provisions, a two-tiered approach as proposed for assessing the equivalence of different sources of active substances is presented in detail.

Consumers' perceptions of biocidal products in households.

Biocidal products are commonly used in households and can pose a risk to human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate consumers' use and understanding of biocidal products in order to identify starting points for minimising their exposure to these products and reducing possible emissions to the environment. In a case study, standardised questionnaires were used to interview consumers in 133 households in three neighbourhoods in Northern Germany, representing the urban-rural typologies in Europe: predominantly urban, intermediate and predominantly rural regions. The questions focussed on the comprehension of the term 'biocide', pest control habits, sources of information, risk perception of different product groups and possible emission reduction measures. Only 21% of the respondents understood the term 'biocide' correctly, whereas 29% thought of 'something that had to do with organic pest control', and 28% were not able to think of a possible meaning. The risk perception of biocidal products compared to plant protection products varied depending on the living conditions. In the urban neighbourhood, biocidal products were perceived as more dangerous than in the rural area. The main pests to be fought were ants, mould and fruit fly. The results of the study indicate that there is a considerable difference between the types of biocidal products that interviewees claimed to own and those that they actually did have in their households. Most notably, respondents did not realise that they owned surface disinfectants. This result indicates that consumers often seem not to be aware of using specific biocidal products. Also, this shows the limitations of collecting data on products owned with only one method, as the results from products inventories of the households deviate from the data collected in interviews. Our results show that the term 'biocide' is not fully understood by many people. To communicate possible risks of biocidal products, other terms would have to be used. Online information regarding general facts on necessary general hygiene measures and biocidal products against bacteria and insects are likely to be of highest relevance for consumers. However, risk communication for biocidal products in general is difficult because consumers are often not aware of using biocidal products. For this reason, information and awareness raising campaigns should be accompanied by further measures such as sales restrictions for specific user-groups or prohibitions of certain uses for a sustainable use of biocidal products.

Outcome of the consultation with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for potassium sorbate for use in plant protection as fungicide on citrus, stone and pome fruits

EFSA Supporting PublicationsVolume 14, Issue 6 1232E Technical reportOpen Access Outcome of the consultation with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for potassium sorbate for use in plant protection as fungicide on citrus, stone and pome fruits European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)Search for more papers by this author European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)Search for more papers by this author First published: 12 June 2017 https://doi.org/10.2903/sp.efsa.2017.EN-1232 Requestor: European Commission Question number: EFSA-Q-2017-00104 AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL References ECHA BPC (ECHA Biocidal Products Committee), 2014. Opinion on the application for approval of the active substance potassium sorbate for product type 8. ECHA/BPC/37/2014. Adopted, 4 December 2014. ECHA RAC (ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment), 2013. Opinion proposing harmonised classification and labelling at EU level of potassium sorbate. Adopted 6 March 2013. EFSA ANS Panel (EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food), 2015. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and calcium sorbate (E 203) as food additives. EFSA Journal 2015; 13(6):4144, 91 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4144 Germany, 2015. Assessment report on potassium sorbate prepared by the rapporteur Member State Germany under Regulation (EU) 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market the use of biocidal products. February 2015. Volume14, Issue6June 20171232E ReferencesRelatedInformation

A new diatom growth inhibition assay using the XTT colorimetric method

Marine biofouling, which leads to significant operational stress and economic damage on marine infrastructures, is a major problem in marine related industries. Currently, the most common way to avoid marine biofouling involves the use of biocidal products in surface coatings. However, the need for environmentally friendly antibiofouling compounds has increased rapidly with the recent global prohibition of harmful antifoulants, such as tributyltin (TBT). In particular, periphytic diatoms have been shown to contribute significantly to biofilms, which play an important role in biofouling. Therefore, inhibiting the proliferation of fouling diatoms is a very important step in the prevention of marine biofouling. In this study, we developed a new, rapid, accurate, and convenient growth inhibition assay using the XTT colorimetric method to prevent the growth of the fouling periphytic diatom, Nitzschia amabilis Hidek. Suzuki (replaced synonym, Nitzschia laevis Hustedt). The feasibility of this method was verified by determining the growth inhibition activities of two standard photosynthetic inhibitors, DCMU and CuSO4. However, neither inhibitor had any cytotoxic activities at the range of concentrations tested. Moreover, this method was applied by screening and purification of herbicidic but non-cytotoxic compounds from cyanobacteria extracts. Our results demonstrate the utility of this newly established growth inhibition assay for the identification of marine anti-biofouling compounds.

Biocide leaching during field experiments on treated articles.

BackgroundBiocidal products can be sources of active substances in surface waters caused by weathering of treated articles. Marketing and use of biocidal products can be limited according to the European Biocidal Products Regulation if unacceptable risks to the environment are expected. Leaching of active substances from treated articles was observed in field experiments to obtain information on leaching processes and investigate the suitability of a proposed test method.ResultsLeaching under weathering conditions proceeds discontinuously and tends to decrease with duration of exposure. It does not only mainly depend on the availability of water but is also controlled by transport processes within the materials and stability of the observed substances. Runoff amount proved to be a suitable basis to compare results from different experiments. Concentrations of substances are higher in runoff collected from vertical surfaces compared to horizontal ones, whereas the leached amounts per surface area are higher from horizontal surfaces. Gaps in mass balances indicate that additional processes such as degradation and evaporation may be relevant to the fate of active substances in treated articles. Leached amounts of substances were considerably higher when the materials were exposed to intermittent water contact under laboratory conditions as compared to weathering of vertically exposed surfaces.ConclusionsExperiences from the field experiments were used to define parameters of a procedure that is now provided to fulfil the requirements of the Biocidal Products Regulation. The experiments confirmed that the amount of water which is in contact with exposed surfaces is the crucial parameter determining leaching of substances.

Regulacja prawna wprowadzania do obrotu produktów biobójczych w świetle rozporządzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady nr 528/2012 - wybrane zagadnienia

The legal regulation of the placing of biocidal products on the market is currently characterized by coexistence of national non-harmonized legal acts and directly effective EU legislation, such as the Regulation No. 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 22 May 2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products, that as of 1 September 2013 superseded the previous directive 98/8/EC. The above inconsistency stems partially from the ongoing biocide active substance review program, the conclusion of which (planned on 31 December 2024) is to lead to realization of a coherent system of rationing of biocides within the EU.The study contains the most important modifications of the legal status resulting from the establishment of the Regulation No. 528/2012. It briefly referred to the material scope of the act and its basic assumptions, the legal definition of biocidal products and the classification thereof, and it indicated the modes of granting and changing the authorisations for biocides, as well as the issue of active substances and biocides data protection.In the summary, a synthetic assessment of the act was made, emphasizing its role in establishing integrated administrative procedures in the cases of individual authorisations for biocides, issued by both national bodies and the European Commission.

The Conferral of Power to the Commission Put to the Test

Case C-427/12 Commission v European Parliament and Council (not yet reported)- Article 290 TFEU- Article 291(2) TFEU- Article 80(1) of Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products, OJ 2012 L 167/11.The EU legislature has discretion when it decides to confer a delegated power on the Commission pursuant to Article 290(1) TFEU or an implementing power pursuant to Article 291(2) TFEU. Consequently, judicial reviewis limited tomanifest errors of assessment (official headnote)2.The Commission appears to have more liberty under Article 290 TFEU than Article 291(2) TFEU, however this may be misleading. The difference between adding “further details” (implementing act) and supplementing or amending non-essential elements to a basic act (delegated act) is difficult to gauge. Furthermore, the control foreseen to be exercised by the Member States and the Parliament and Councilmay not function as planned (author's headnote).

Alternatives to biocides – a contribution to a healthier indoor environment

Background Biocidal products contain active substances for the control of organisms that are harmful to human or animal health and for the control of organisms that cause damage to natural or manufactured products or are simply annoying. The various and sometimes incorrect or even needless use is one of the most abundant source of indoor pollutants in the private sector. Aims The obligation to inform the public about alternatives and precautionary measurements was included in the German Chemical law in order to minimize the use of biocidal products. This was the cause to develop an information system for costumers and multipliers with a new web portal and additional print products as the focal point. The new portal wants to raise the risk awareness of the public when they handle with biocidal products and to encourage the acceptance of the use of less harmful or harmless alternatives and preventive measurements. Methods In July 2010 the Federal Environment Agency has launched the portal www.biozid.info, which is regularly actualized and extended. The portal contains information about the different application areas (product types) of biocidal products, their use and alternatives and also a special inventory of different pests. Results We present results of the statistical evaluation of the users’ access of the portal over the years. They highlights the demand and interest of the visitors. The demand shows a specific course over the year with regard to the number of visits and the search items. Conclusions For the further implementation it is necessary to improve the attractiveness and usability of the portal. To expand the accessibility one also has to take into account other media such as the old style print media but also new social media, apps, podcast and video (Cross-Media-Strategy).

EN

On June 12, 2009, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation concerning the placement on the market and use of biocidal products, which, when it enters into force on January 1, 2013, will repeal and replace Directive 98/8/EC. The main reason for the revision of the current Directive was to promote best practices for environmental and human health protection, along with implementation of current developments in safety testing in order to create safer biocides. Moreover, the proposed Regulation aims to take into consideration the newest legislation on chemicals. This article evaluates the proposed Regulation in comparison to Directive 98/8/EC. Although the new proposal requires the sharing of vertebrate animal test data, both for product authorization and for newly developed active substances, it misses - in contrast to REACH - the opportunity to recognize the accelerating development of alternative approaches to animal testing, most recently with new momentum provided by "Toxicity Testing for the 21st Century", and to support the evolution of toxicology towards a new approach to testing. The new methods promise not only to decrease animal pain and suffering, but also to provide faster results and better prediction for human risk assessment compared to traditional methods. Unfortunately, methods mandated for human risk assessment in the proposal are still mainly based on traditional animal study extrapolation. We put forward and discuss possible alternative strategies, such as in vitro testing, integrated testing strategies, toxicokinetics, "omics", systems biology, bioinformatics, and computational modeling, all of which could be more encouraged by the proposal. Current opportunities to improve our tools for biocide risk assessment are discussed, delineating advantages, limitations, and development needs. It is suggested to open the proposed Regulation to alternative approaches that are based on human biology more than on extrapolation from animals to humans.

Transport and handling of fumigated containers: National and international regulations — Risk assessment

An overview is given about national and international regulations about the transport and handling (operator oriented rules) and the import (product-oriented rules) concerning fumigated containers. Some emphasis is given to the effect of the “proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing on the market and use of biocidal products” and its effect on the handling and import of treated materials and in how far fumigated containers are affected by this new regulation. Additionally the rules for handling, opening, ventilation and release of fumigated containers are described and interpreted which are in force in Germany. Here are especially illustrated the obligations for risk assessment according to TRGS 512 “Fumigations” and recommendations according to some best practice procedures for opening fumigated containers published by different institutions.

Use of biocidal products (insect sprays and electro-vaporizer) in indoor areas – Exposure scenarios and exposure modeling

Five commercially available insect sprays were applied in a model room. Spraying was performed in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and in an overdosed manner in order to simulate worst-case conditions or an unforeseeable misuse. In addition, we examined electro-vaporizers. The Respicon aerosol monitoring system was applied to determine inhalation exposure. During normal spraying (10 seconds) and during the following 2-3 minutes, exposure concentrations ranged from 70 to 590 microg/m3 for the pyrethroids tetramethrin, d-phenothrin, cyfluthrin, bioallethrin, and the pyrethrins. Calculated inhalable doses were 2-16 microg. A concentration of approximately 850 microg chlorpyrifos/m(3) (inhalable dose: approximately 20 microg) was determined when the "Contra insect fly spray" was applied. Highest exposure concentrations (1100-2100 microg/m3) were measured for piperonyl butoxide (PBO), corresponding to an inhalation intake of 30-60microg. When simulating worst-case conditions, exposure concentrations of 200-3400microg/m3 and inhalable doses of 10-210microg were determined for the various active substances. Highest concentrations (4800-8000 microg/m3) were measured for PBO (inhalable: 290-480 microg). By applying the electro-vaporizer "Nexa Lotte" plug-in mosquito killer concentrations for d-allethrin were in the range of 5-12microg/m3 and 0.5-2 microg/m3 for PBO while with the "Paral" plug-in mosquito killer concentrations of 0.4-5microg/m3 for pyrethrins and 1-7 microg/m3 for PBO were measured. Potential dermal exposures were determined using exposure pads. Between 80 and 1000microg active substance (tetramethrin, phenothrin, cyfluthrin, bioallethrin, pyrethrins, chlorpyrifos) were deposited on the clothing of the total body surface area of the spray user. Highest levels (up to 3000 microg) were determined for PBO. Worst-case uses of the sprays led to 5-9 times higher concentrations. Also a 2-hour stay nearby an operating electro-vaporizer led to a contamination of the clothing (total amounts on the whole body were 450 microg d-allethrin and 50 microg PBO for "Nexa Lotte" plug-in mosquito killer and 80 microg pyrethrins and 190 microg PBO for "Paral" plug-in mosquito killer). Human biomonitoring data revealed urine concentrations of the metabolite (E)-trans-chrysanthemum dicarboxylic acid ((E)-trans-CDCA) between 1.7 microg/l and 7.1 microg/l after 5 minutes of exposure to the different sprays. Also the use of electro-vaporizers led to (E)-trans-CDCA concentrations in the urine in the range of 1.0 microg/l to 6.2 microg/l (1-3 hours exposure period). The exposure data presented can be used for performing human risk assessment when these biocidal products were applied indoors. The airborne concentrations of the non-volatile active chemical compounds could be predicted from first principles using a deterministic exposure model (SprayExpo).