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Biocides Uses & Regulations
February 1st, 2023
Biocides are used to regulate and control microorganism growth, but can also impact human health.
Read more below about Biocides, their impact on humans and what AccuStandard offers to support testing for these chemicals.
The term biocides is generally used to describe chemical substances or mixtures that are made commercially to destroy and control the spread of harmful microorganisms like viruses and bacteria in different consumer products. Exposure to biocides can result in adverse health effects on skin, eyes, respiratory system and nervous system. These health effects are known to be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, children or people with chronic illness. A broad range of products are classified as biocides including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Some biocides are used as antibacterial products to eliminate or to reduce total pathogenic organisms on surfaces as disinfectants or on intact skin as antiseptics. As a result, active ingredients used in the making of these products are carefully evaluated and tested to make sure they are safe for the public and the environment.
Potential health hazards from exposure to biocides have led to the publishing of different global policies and regulations such as the Biological Products Directive 98/8/EC (BPD) published by the European Union (EU). This document provides guidance that allows different industries to manufacture products that are safe for humans, animals as well as the environment. The directive includes a list of all approved active ingredients to use as biocides divided into 23 product types within four major groups: disinfectants, preservatives, pest control and other biocidal products.
AccuStandard’s newly published Biocides Brochure encompasses a comprehensive selection of biocide Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) including some of the most recently added to the BPD. These CRMs are ideal to assess the biocide active ingredients in a wide variety of products such as textiles, household products, cosmetic and personal care products and construction materials or for testing of residues left after application. Our high-quality biocide CRMs are designed to offer a reliable and accurate analysis when testing for these chemicals.
