Safety of substances and formulations

BfR assesses the risks associated with industrial chemicals, biocides and pesticides as well as products containing these substances and ingredients. It submits proposals for risk minimisation.

Risk assessment of substances and preparations

The health risk is determined from the hazard potential and the exposure level. The hazard potential leads to the classification and labelling of substances and products if they are harmful. The risk can be countered by reducing exposure (e.g. by setting and adhering to a limit value).

In principle, BfR assesses substances on the basis of data which must be provided by manufacturers or distributors or that is available in published literature.

Proposed risk management measures

The health assessments of substances and preparations undertaken by BfR, in the same way as the proposed risk reduction measures, are coordinated on the national and European levels.

The BfR proposals concern the

• classification and labelling of industrial chemicals, preparations and products;
• provisions for their transport and safe use;
• establishment of maximum levels of residues of substances and preparations in and on foods.

The measures which are then taken to improve safety for users and consumers are decided by national or European risk management institutions.

Risk monitoring of substances and preparations

The formulations of products containing dangerous chemicals like adhesives, disinfectants or household chemicals as well as pesticides and biocides must be deposited with BfR. Based on the "Cases of Poisoning Reported by Physicians", BfR documents and assesses the intoxication events. Using the data obtained, the Institute can then put forward proposals for improvements.

Research into safer substances and preparations

BfR is involved in the further development of toxicological test methods as well as test and evaluation strategies on the national and international stage, an area in which BfR also engages in its own research. The development and standardisation of legally and internationally binding detection methods for residues and contaminants in foods and other matrices, e.g. environmental media, are another area in which BfR is active.

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