Evaluation of exposure of the environment to new chemicals put on the market - A historical review

In order to estimate the effects of chemicals on the quality of the different environmental compartments, primarily ecochemical and ecotoxicological data are desirable. In addition to their production levels and use patterns, knowledge of their toxicological effects and behavior under biotic and abiotic conditions are necessary. These kinds of experiments give, on the one hand, sufficient data on the stability of the chemicals in the environment. On the other hand, they make also possible to identify conversion products, which behave differently than the parent compounds. Under consideration of all these data, it is possible to describe a simple risk and hazard profile of chemicals. All risks can be excluded by these rapid methods. Further investigations, coupled with complex regulation, which places greater and unfounded responsibility on chemical industry, are not necessary. These kinds of regulations can be even repressive and counterproductive. This paper deals with these aspects and to try to find out, which present regulations are useful or not.