News - Risk Assessment

27. June 2024

Stream walk with the Ecotox Centre

Stream walk with the Ecotox Centre

On Tuesday, a group of urban nature lovers delved into the layers of environmental pollution with the team from the Ecotox Centre in Lausanne.

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22. May 2024

In conversation with the "father" of the Ecotox Centre

In conversation with the "father" of the Ecotox Centre

Rik Eggen, former Deputy Director of Eawag, played a leading role in the founding of the Ecotox Centre in 2008 and was closely involved in its development until his retirement at the end of 2023, first as part of the Directorate and later as a representative of Eawag on the Host Institute Board. Here he looks back on his time with the Ecotox Centre.

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21. May 2024

How to consider mixture toxicity? New approaches for authorization and monitoring

How to consider mixture toxicity? New approaches for authorization and monitoring

Mixtures of chemicals in the environment pose major challenges for authorities, research and industry, as their risk is difficult to assess. The Ecotox Centre is helping to develop practical concepts in this area.

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03. April 2024

Revision of the Plant Protection Products Ordinance: Ecotox Centre says yes, but

Revision of the Plant Protection Products Ordinance: Ecotox Centre says yes, but

The Ecotox Centre and Eawag welcome a total revision of the Plant Protection Products Ordinance (PPPO). However, the two institutes are calling for improvements on important points, such as the adoption of EU authorisations or the precautionary principle. The ordinance must ensure that other regulations such as the Water Protection or the Environmental Protection Act are not undermined.

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02. April 2024

Ecotox Centre study leads to postulate in Zurich Cantonal Council

Ecotox Centre study leads to postulate in Zurich Cantonal Council

A recent study by the Ecotox Centre has shown that nature reserves are also contaminated with pesticides. A postulate based on this study has now been submitted to the Zurich Cantonal Council.

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18. March 2024

PFAS course attracts interest

PFAS course attracts interest

To provide comprehensive information about PFAS and their toxicity to the environment and humans, the Ecotox Centre has organised a course last week, which was attended by more than 80 participants.

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16. February 2024

Info sheet on sunscreens in surface waters

Info sheet on sunscreens in surface waters

Sunscreens protect us against skin cancer, but can also be harmful to organisms in lakes. A new Ecotox Centre info sheet provides information about the various UV filters and gives recommendations for more eco-friendly sun protection.

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13. February 2024

Quality criteria: data sheets available on website

Quality criteria: data sheets available on website

The Ecotox Centre has derived environmental quality criteria for more than 100 substances. We have now made the associated data sheets available on our website so that the process leading to these values can be understood.

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30. November 2023

European EQS experts meet at the Ecotox Centre

European EQS experts meet at the Ecotox Centre

The quality criteria experts from numerous European countries met at the Ecotox Centre for their first face-to-face meeting since the coronavirus pandemic.

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23. November 2023

Biotopes of national importance are also contaminated with plant protection products

Biotopes of national importance are also contaminated with plant protection products

The investigation of nine amphibian spawning grounds and three fens has shown that these biotopes of national importance are contaminated with numerous plant protection products. Insecticides from the pyrethroid group in particular exceeded the legal limits and chronic quality criteria, in some cases many fold.

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