New hazard identification criteria for EU classification of pesticides in the terrestrial environment: Some proposals

There is a need for the development of an EU/OECD harmonised classification system of chemical substances for the danger to the terrestrial environmen t. European Commission has started this process inviting EU Member Stares t o provide contributions for the development of new harmonised criteria for the terrestrial ecosystem. The approach for pesticides seems to be the most relevant, both for the spe cific purpose of these substances and for the quantities yearly used leadin g to a consequent potential contamination of the terrestrial environment. T he concern in the protection of the structure and function of this ecosyste m is reflected in the necessity of developing a classification system cover ing the whole terrestrial environment (soil, below soil, above soil). This system should be able to classify both substances and mixtures (formulation s) taking into account parameters such as acute/long term toxicity and pers istence in the terrestrial environment. For each parameter (taxa, compartment, route of exposure) is required more than one level of hazard, in analogy to the aquatic system. Some proposal f or new risk phrases ("R phrases") are reported. Considering the most suitab le for pesticides. This work has been produced taking into account the outlines agreed in a Wo rkshop held in Madrid on the behalf of the Spanish Ministerio de Medioambie nte and the European Chemical Bureau (ECB)-Ispra.(1).