Case Studies
Within LIFE VERMEER Project, for the compound of interest an overall assessment (combining hazard and exposure) and the suggestion of less risky chemicals will be performed. In addition, a detail analysis will be accomplished on the following six case studies chosen for their growing concern for environment and human health.
1. Biocides
Biocides are a heterogeneous group of chemicals used to limit the adverse action caused by harmful organisms to human activities, to human/animal health or to the environment. The main groups of biocides are disinfectants, preservatives and pest control (European Commission, and Environment Directorate-General. 2009. “Assessment of Different Options to Address Risks From the Use Phase of Biocides, Final Report).
2. Cosmetics
Cosmetics are any substance or preparation intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body or with the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odors and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition (Regulation EC No. 1223/2009).
3. Dispersants
Dispersants can be used for oil spill response in marine environments. They aim to reduce the amount of oil at the water surface by promoting dissolution of oil components in the water body. Within LIFE VERMEER the environmental fate of oil components will be modelled in order to identify oil spill response options least harmful to the environment and human health.
4. Food contact materials
Food contact materials include all materials and articles that are intended (or reasonably expected) to come into contact with food. Thousands of chemical substances can be used for FCM production, of which a large number has not been officially evaluated for their safe use in these materials. Since migration of FCM substances into food has been reported, more information regarding the potential toxicity of these chemicals is required.
5. Solvents
Solvents include a large number of chemicals used to dissolve or dilute other substances or materials. They are usually organic liquids. Many solvents are also used as chemical intermediates, fuels, and as components of a wide range of products.
6. Oil fractions
Oil fractions are components of oil, which have their own particular molecular compositions, weights, and boiling points. They are mainly hydrocarbons that exist in the families of paraffins, isoparrafins, naphthenes, aromatics and olefins. The range can be from Carbon numbers C1 to C30.
