Pest control products become safer

Biocides are substances used in products such as insecticides, disinfectants, repellents, wood preservatives and anti-fouling paint for ships. On 20 December, the environment ministers agreed on new rules to reduce the risks posed by biocidal chemicals.

Did you know that smell-free socks
are treated with biocides?
© Fotolia

For the first time, the legislation identifies which active substances may not be used in biocidal products. The most hazardous substances will no longer be permitted, in particular those that can cause cancer, mutations or fertility problems. Hormonally active agents, the endocrine disruptors, will be banned, as will chemicals with harmful effects on the environment. Substances that may be essential to prevent a serious risk to public health or the environment, may, however, still be authorised under certain conditions.

The rules now also cover articles incorporating pest control chemicals. A wide range of everyday products, for instance sleeping bags or sofas, are treated with biocidal substances. They may no longer be treated with unauthorised chemicals and must be labelled so as to prevent allergic reactions to chemical residues. The rules also apply to all imported articles.

Under the new regulation, an optional procedure for authorising biocidal products at EU level is introduced to reduce the administrative burden on producers.

More information:
Press release (pdf)
Public debate
Webcast of press conference