Biocide Debate Rages On
Krygsman explained that regulatory concerns about biocides differ widely by region, especially between North America and Europe. Europe requires compliance with multiple pieces of legislation, including the Biocidal Product Regulation, REACH, workplace safety, water and recycling regulations. In addition, individual countries can impose their own requirements.
In North America, regulations include the U.S. EPA, Canadas PMRA and Mexicos COFEPRIS. All take a similar approach to regulation, he said. The emphasis is on occupational exposure, and studies are required to support registration.
All this scrutiny of biocides has left the industry scrambling to develop alternative chemistries. The process is based on cost, regulatory review and system compatibility, Krygsman explained. Alternatives can vary from region to region for the same MWF because of the differing regulations. It is a fluid process, he said. No pun intended.
Krygsman illustrated the process by considering the steps involved in replacing formaldehyde donor biocides. These compounds are widely used because they are effective against bacteria in aqueous systems, are cost-effective and have a proven history of effectiveness.
Formaldehyde donor biocides are under heavy scrutiny due to concerns over inhalation risks associated with formaldehyde, he explained. The chemical has been linked to nasopharyngeal cancers, and possibly to leukemia and other hematopoietic cancers. There are also concerns over the effects of nonlethal concentrations that can cause reproductive or dermal effects.
Legislation affecting these products varies widely between Europe and North America. France, for example, is pushing to make formaldehyde releasers substances of very high concern under REACH and subject to restriction or authorization.
In North America, regulation of formaldehyde releasers is linked to the EPAs Integrated Risk Information System, the final assessment of which is due in late 2017. Then the fun begins, Krygsman quipped.
He concluded by saying the choice of biocide for MWFs is a multistep process involving many factors. While cost plays a major role, regulatory constraints are growing depending on your location.
Wherever water or nutrients are present, biocides will be needed. Depending on geography, there are different approaches to the regulation of biocides, he said. Therefore, it pays to be educated and use as many reference tools as possible to make an informed choice.