The Importance of Sequential Assessment in Test Programs for Estimating Hazard to Aquatic Life

TL;DRAbstract

The qualification process for a new chemical should include not only appropriate toxicity testing but supportive evaluations which allow an assessment of potential risk to aquatic life. Since materials differ not only in toxicological effect but also in other properties that can affect their ecological impact, each material should be considered individually, and any tendency to apply a rigid standard test program to all should be resisted. Guidelines are provided to develop testing programs which will provide a sound basis for hazard assessment without squandering limited scientific resources. Review and assessment of data on a sequential basis are necessary to focus effort on the most appropriate kinds of tests. Based on expected usage and disposal patterns, it is important to estimate the maximum concentrations that are likely to occur in the environment and their critical locations. When chemical or biological tests have indicated that a material will not be persistent, the use of s

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