News - Risk Assessment
02. June 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Inconsistent risk assessment of chemicals compromises water protection in Europe
A new study highlights significant room for improvement in European chemicals regulation. The environmental risk assessment for a single substance can vary considerably depending on the regulatory context. This has direct implications for water protection.
Read more26. May 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
A look back at SETAC 2026 in Maastricht
We are looking back to an exciting week at SETAC 2026 in Maastricht. It was a great place to share our latest findings with colleagues, discuss our work, and gain fresh inspiration through stimulating exchanges.
Read more19. May 2026, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Swiss birds of prey widely contaminated with rodenticides
The Ecotox Centre has analysed Swiss birds of prey for residues of rodenticides. The results are worrying: 92% of the buzzards and kestrels examined were contaminated with these persistent substances. Whilst direct deaths from poisoning were rare, the high level of sublethal contamination raises questions about the long-term health of our native birds of prey.
Read more12. May 2026, Topic: Risk Assessment , Soil Ecotoxicology
How Dangerous Are Contaminated Military Sites?
Soils at contaminated military sites contain numerous chemicals of ecotoxicological concern. A case study shows that an assessment based solely on chemical analyses falls short and cannot adequately predict toxicity. Additional bioassays and bioavailability measurements are necessary to comprehensively assess soil quality.
Read more08. May 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Oekotoxzentrum in SRF Einstein on the risks of PFAS
Risk specialist Alexandra Kroll talks to Katrin Hönegger from SRF Einstein about the significance of current PFAS contamination and assesses the situation.
Read more22. April 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Course: One Health - Concept, case studies, challenges and implementation, 23. June 2026
Together with the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), we are organising the continuing education course "One Health – Concept, case studies, challenges and implementation". The course can also be attended online.
Read more11. February 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Ecotox Centre in SRF Kassensturz programme on drain cleaners
Cornelia Kienle advised SRF Kassensturz on the evaluation of drain cleaners. These products contain many aggressive substances.
Read more10. February 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Rare earths pollute Zurich's waters
An investigation in the canton of Zurich has shown that certain rare earth elements can enter bodies of water via wastewater treatment plants in concentrations that pose a risk to aquatic organisms. These elements are gadolinium, which comes from contrast agents used in healthcare facilities, as well as lanthanum and cerium, which are used in a number of wastewater treatment plants to remove phosphorus.
Read more09. January 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Podcast on PFAS in drinking water
How do PFAS end up in the environment and in drinking water? And what can be done about it? Ecotox Centre scientist Alexandra Kroll and former cantonal chemist Kurt Seiler explain why limit values are not enough and where we need to start earlier.
Read more08. January 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology
Safer receipts without bisphenols
Researchers at EPFL have developed a new formula for thermal paper that is free of harmful bisphenols. According to toxicological studies conducted by the Ecotox Center, the wood-based substitutes used are significantly less problematic than traditional substances.
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