Environmental hazardous substances and assement of environmental risks

Sustainability and environmental friendliness are increasingly becoming competitive factors. Conducting a risk assessment at the product formulation stage can ultimately save both time and money. We can help you identify substances and assess the risks of chemicals that may pose threats to the environment and human health.

We assess chemicals in connection with REACH registrations and the authorization of biocides, among other things. We also provide guidance to companies wishing to substitute specific substances in their products with more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Additionally, we can assist in establishing water quality criteria or conducting ABC assessments in relation to wastewater discharge permits.

From substance data to a basis for decision-making

A hazard or environmental assessment often requires gathering and evaluating various types of data in conjunction. These may include physicochemical properties, classifications, ecotoxicological data, degradability, bioaccumulation, usage patterns, discharge concentrations, dilution, background concentrations, and local environmental conditions.

We assist in identifying the relevant data basis, assessing data quality, and handling situations where data are limited or uncertain. When experimental data are lacking, we can support the assessment using recognized screening tools, QSAR, read-across, conservative assumptions, and regulatory-accepted calculation methods.

The goal is to establish a scientifically robust and transparent basis for decision-making that can facilitate dialogue between companies, consultants, and authorities.

Discharges and environmental quality standards

For discharges into the aquatic environment, it is crucial to assess whether the discharge might affect compliance with applicable environmental quality standards. This applies to both new and existing discharges, including point sources, industrial activities, construction and civil engineering projects, wastewater treatment plants, and diffuse sources.

DHI assists in assessing discharge concentrations, dilution in the receiving water, and the resulting impact on water, sediment, and biota. We work with both national and international environmental quality standards and have experience deriving substance-specific environmental quality criteria (PNEC values) when such criteria do not already exist. This involves the critical assessment of ecotoxicological data, evaluation of data quality, and the application of methods accepted by regulatory authorities.

We can also assist in identifying relevant substances, establishing the basis for assessment, and documenting the results in a format suitable for dialogue with authorities and as a foundation for permits and regulatory decisions.

Ecolabelling and substitution

Ecolabelling schemes often impose requirements that go beyond general chemical regulations. Products seeking the Nordic Swan or EU Ecolabel must demonstrate compliance with criteria regarding, for example, hazardous substances, biodegradability, bioaccumulation, and aquatic toxicity.

DHI can assist in reviewing product formulations, raw material data, safety data sheets, DID list values, and WUR calculations. We can also evaluate alternative raw materials and support companies wishing to substitute problematic substances with more environmentally acceptable alternatives.

By evaluating chemicals early in the product development phase, companies can reduce the risk of delays, reformulation needs, and rejections later in the process.

When documentations needs to stand up to scrutiny

Our consultancy is based on professional transparency and verifiable assessments. We place great importance on clearly outlining assumptions, uncertainties, and the underlying data, ensuring the assessment is practical to use - whether internally, with clients, or in dialogue with authorities.

Whether the task involves a single substance, a product formulation, a complex discharge, or a major regulatory project, we can help translate chemical and ecotoxicological knowledge into a clear basis for decision-making.

Environmental quality standards and bioavailability

A water quality criterion represents the maximum concentration of a substance estimated not to cause adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. The starting point for establishing a water quality criterion is the Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC). Many substances, including metals, are only partially available for uptake by organisms in the environment. The actual environmental impact is therefore best determined by taking into account that only the bioavailability fraction of the substance in the aquatic environment (and sediment) can be absorbed and exert toxic effects.

Environmental quality standards for nickel and lead refer to the bioavailable concentration of the metals. Incorporating bioavailability into the regulation of metals in fresh water is a relatively new regulatory approach and represents a significant shift in how compliance with environmental quality standards is assessed.

ABC assessments and industrial wastewater

Companies that use chemicals in production, cleaning, surface treatment, or other processes are often required to document whether these substances can be discharged into the sewer system or a wastewater treatment plant. ABC assessments are used here to evaluate the environmental hazard of organic substances and their suitability for discharge via wastewater.

DHI has extensive experience with ABC assessments of organic substances and can assist in evaluating substance classification, degradability, bioaccumulation, and effects on aquatic organisms. We can also review requirements in connection permits and assist with technical assessments during dialogue with the municipality or the utility company.

Modelling of substance fate and transport

Many environmental risk assessments require an evaluation of how a substance is transported, diluted, degraded, sorbed, or distributed between environmental matrices. DHI employs both simple screening models and more advanced exposure and dispersion models, depending on the specific issue.

We can model and assess the fate and transport of substances in environments such as the aquatic environment, sediment, soil, and groundwater. This is relevant for, among other things, discharges from wastewater treatment plants, industrial processes, construction activities, contaminated sites, drilling chemicals, shipping, pesticides, or other chemical applications.

Our strength lies in combining modelling with ecotoxicological and regulatory expertise, enabling the results to be translated into a concrete assessment of environmental risk.

Regulatory support for chemicals, biocidals, and pesticides

Environmental assessments often form part of regulatory processes. DHI provides advice on data requirements, substance evaluations, environmental exposure, and documentation regarding REACH, biocides, and pesticides, among others.

We can assist with data gap analyses, assessment of testing needs, literature searches, QSAR/read-across, exposure assessment, PNEC derivation, IUCLID-related documentation, and the preparation of technical memos or reports. Where new studies are required, we can also assist with testing strategies, liaison with laboratories, and evaluation of results.

The ABC method

The ABC method outlined in the connection guidelines is a way of assessing the environmental hazards posed by organic substances. The method classifies substances into three categories (A, B, and C substances) based on their potential for harm to human health, their biodegradability, and their potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms.

Among other applications, the method is used by municipalities when setting conditions for permits to discharge industrial wastewater into public wastewater systems.

We can assist you in assessing substances using the ABC method. We can also help review municipal requirements or decisions regarding a connection permit.

Ecolabels

Companies that create products with a strong focus on the environment and health can use eco-labels as a competitive advantage.

The number of certification schemes designed to promote green development is growing worldwide. According to the Ecolabel Index, a global directory of existing eco-labels, there are currently over 465 eco-labels.

In Denmark, the Nordic Swan and the EU Ecolabel are particularly widespread. The Nordic Swan is the Nordic eco-label, while the EU Ecolabel is the European eco-label. These labels can be awarded to a wide range of products, including cosmetics, cleaning agents, paints and varnishes, dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, major appliances, and toys.

We can help with ecolabelling

The requirements for ecolabelled products go beyond the minimum chemical requirements set out in REACH legislation. Products bearing the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel must be among the least environmentally damaging and must not contain substances that pose health risks.

With our extensive knowledge of chemicals, we are experts in conducting risk assessments regarding human health and the environment.

If you wish to apply for an ecolabel, we can help review product formulations and assess whether the products meet the ecolabel criteria before they go into production. By selecting the right substances early in the process, you can reduce development costs.

Courses

There are currently no scheduled courses. However, we can provide courses on the above topics upon request.