Risk assessment of contaminants in fertilisers

In a recent study the risk of contaminants in fertilisers and the socio-economic impacts of a possible restriction under REACH have been assessed. Almost 100 substances were identified as critical.

DHI contributed to the risk assessments in the study which was carried out for the European Commission.

The objectives of the study were to address contaminants of concern in fertilisers and to assess whether these contaminants could be regulated under the contexts of the REACH regulation including risk assessment, regulatory management option analysis (RMOA) and analysis of alternatives.

Based on a market analysis and literature review, contaminants and impurities of concern for the environment or for human health via the environment and not intentionally added to fertilisers were identified. A group of selected contaminants was subjected to exposure and risk assessment in representative use scenarios applying relevant exposure tools. 

Hazardous properties of registered fertiliser substances
Furthermore, a screening of substances registered in REACH was performed by DHI to identify substances of concern registered for use in fertilisers. The screening resulted in a list of 98 substances having either CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction), STOT RE (specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure) or aquatic chronic toxicity properties or having endocrine disrupting potential.

The results from the study performed by Arcadis and Arcadia International E.E.I.G. together with Michel Vander Straeten Consulting Services and DHI are described in the recently published report Contaminants in fertilisers: Assessment of the risks from their presence and socio-economic impacts of a possible restriction under REACH

For more information about the report or substances in the environment, please contact:

Anne Rathmann Pedersen
arp@remove-this.dhigroup.remove-this.com
Tel +45 4516 9370