Keywords
Citation
(1998), "WRc commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive to model the fate of biocides in the environment", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 27 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.1998.12927caf.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
WRc commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive to model the fate of biocides in the environment
WRc commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive to model the fate of biocides in the environment
Keywords Antifouling paints, Environmental monitoring, Environmental regulations
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has commissioned WRc, a leading independent research based consultancy, to undertake research into modelling the concentrations of active compounds perceived to leach from marine paint into the environment. The two year project with WRc will enable the HSE to improve its environmental risk assessments and help protect the environment through a greater understanding of how active compounds in antifouling paint behave.
Under the Control of Pesticide Regulations (COPR 1986) all pesticides including antifouling paints must be approved by ministers before they can be advertised, sold, supplied or used.
Applicants seeking approval for an antifouling paint are required to submit data on formulation-specific active ingredients to the HSE, who then carry out a risk assessment. The results of this determine whether approval can be granted.
WRc will develop new modelling software validated by data from samples taken from harbours, marinas and estuaries to help predict how much of these active ingredients eventually find their way into sediment and water.
The project findings will enable the HSE to better understand the environmental impact of antifouling paints and adopt the model approach developed through the WRc project as part of its environmental risk assessment. The increased awareness gained from this project may lead to more environmentally friendly products being used.
Details from WRc, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1491 571531; Fax: +44 (0)1491 579094; E-mail: boxall_a@wrcplc.co.uk