CleanGredients - Attribute Information

Biodegradation in Solvents

Definition

Breakdown of a substance catalyzed by enzymes in vitro or in vivo. This may be characterized as:
1. Primary. Alteration of the chemical structure of a substance resulting in loss of a specific property of that substance.
2. Ultimate. Complete breakdown of a compound to either fully oxidized or reduced simple molecules (such as carbon dioxide/methane, nitrate/ammonium, and water).

It should be noted that the products of biodegradation can be more harmful than the substance degraded.

The biodegradation heading in CleanGredients^® refers to the rate of aerobic biodegradation based on standard test methods. For more detailed information regarding the definitions of "Ready Biodegradation" and "Ultimate Biodegradation" for specific ingredient classes in CleanGredients^®, see the relevant Ingredient Attributes pages.

Rationale

Given the potential for discharge of cleaning products to natural environments and the potential toxicity of solvents, biodegradability is a key environmental attribute for solvents.

Listing Requirements

If (L/E/IC50) ≤ 1 ppm, then may be acceptable if biodegradation occurs within a 10-day window and BCF < 1000.
If (L/E/IC50) > 1 ppm and ≤ 10 ppm, then biodegradation must occur within a 10-day window and BCF < 1000.
If (L/E/IC50) > 10 ppm and < 100 ppm, then biodegradation must occur within 28 days without products of concern and BCF < 1000.
If (L/E/IC50) ≥ 100 ppm, then biodegradation need not occur within 28 days if there are no products of concern and half-life < 180 days and BCF < 1000.

Data and Submission Guidance

You will need to report the following biodegradation data:

Expected half-life in Air, Sediment, Soil, and Water (days)
Test Method
ASTM, OECD, OPPTS, or other Method Number