What is the meaning of biocidal product?

A biocidal product is defined in the Biocidal Products Regulation as any product or substance which is intended to destroy, control or prevent the effects of harmful organisms, or in any other way control harmful organisms, other than by means of physical or mechanical devices.

What are biocidal properties?

A biocide is defined as a chemical substance or microorganism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means.

What is a biocidal product family?

The definition of a biocidal product family (BPF) in Article 3(1)(s) of the BPR refers to a group of products having similar uses, the same active substances, similar composition within specified variations and similar levels of risk and efficacy.

Which of the following is act as biocides?

Many biocides are synthetic, but there are naturally occurring biocides classified as natural biocides, derived from, e.g., bacteria and plants. A biocide can be: A pesticide: this includes fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, algicides, molluscicides, miticides, piscicides, rodenticides, and slimicides.

Why are biocides important?

The proper use of biocides is crucial in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases in hospitals and other health facilities. Biocides are used to decontaminate the skin of patients and health professionals, any surfaces that could harbour bacteria, and any instruments in contact with patients.

How does biocides affect the environment?

Pesticides and biocides are chemical or biological products used to control pests such as harmful or unwanted animals, plants, fungi, viruses or bacteria. They can cause pollution and harm wildlife if they spill onto land, enter surface water or groundwater or are released into the air.

What are common biocides?

Common examples are disinfectants, wood preservatives and insect repellents. Typically a biocidal product will be a mixture of chemicals and will include the ‘active substance’. The active substance has the controlling effect on the harmful organism.

Are biocides pesticides?

Biocidal products are all pesticides that are not plant protection products. The biocidal products that act in a chemically or biologically way fall in the scope of the biocidal legislation. It can for example be disinfectants, a mosquito repellent, wood preservatives, rodenticides or antifouling paint for boats.

Are biocides harmful?

Biocides pose a particular risk to pregnant women, unborn life, small children, or people with serious chronic illness. Health hazards caused by disinfectants or other dangerous biocides include effects on skin, eyes, respiratory system, nervous system, and other organs.

What products contain biocides?

Examples of biocidal products include wood preservatives, antifouling paints, disinfectants, preservatives for aqueous products, fungal or anti-microbial products, insecticides, and animal repellents or baits.