Calcium diformate

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

In accordance with column 2 of REACH Annex IX and X, the toxicity testing to terrestrial organisms shall be proposed depending on the results of the chemical safety assessment.

Direct exposure to soil is not likely, since the substance is not intentionally applied to soil. Indirect exposure to soil is not likely e.g. via agricultural use of sewage sludge since calcium diformate is readily biodegradable. Adsorption to solid soil phase is not expected (log Koc < 3). In conclusion no testing is required. As a consequence, no tests on terrestrial organisms are provided.

Toxicity to birds

From the available literature data there is no indication of unacceptable risks for birds from exposure to formic acid or formate. However, data from the mammalian dataset should be used for the risk assessment.

In Annex X of the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 REACH concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), it is suggested, that in case of long term toxicity testing to birds "any need for testing should be carefully considered taking into account the large mammalian dataset that is usually available at this tonnage level."

Furthermore, ECHA (2008) states in the "Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment Chapter R.7c" that "given that mammalian toxicity is considered in detail for human health protection, the need for additional data for birds must be considered very carefully – new tests are a last resort in the data collection process."

Exposure of birds is generally only considered for the fish and earthworm food chains following the release of a substance via a sewage treatment works. It is unlikely that a secondary poisoning risk will be identified for sodium formate since it is readily biodegradable and has a log Kow below 3).