Hydrocarbons, C15-16

PBT assessment

PBT assessment: overall result

PBT status:

the substance is not PBT / vPvB

Justification:

In order to assess the persistence of the different hydrocarbon blocks (HCBs), aquatic half-life predictions for representative constituents were made using the BioHCwin module of the EPISuite v4.0 model. Model predictions for normal paraffins are applicable to the registered substance since it falls in that hydrocarbon block. The BioHCwin model predicted that n-paraffins with chain lengths below twenty-two carbons, which would include the registered substance, will have half-lives below the 60 -day persistence criterion.

Bioaccumulation assessment was performed for the ten key hydrocarbon classes that are found in petroleum substances. Predicted fish bioconcentration factors for representative hydrocarbon structures were used to assess bioaccumulation, as was available experimental data (both dietary and aqueous studies), where available. Based on the available data and model predictions, only a C13 and C14 n-paraffin have a BCF greater than 2000, and no n-paraffin has a bioconcentration factor (BCF) greater than 5000 (vB criterion). Thus the registered substance is not considered B or vB.

Hydrocarbons, C14-C20 aliphatics have been shown to have a very low toxicity towards organisms, with NOELR values equal or higher than 1000 mg/l for all species (algae, crustacean and fish). Since this substance is a Hydrocarbons, C14-C20 aliphatic, it has not been classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction, or exhibited other evidence of chronic toxicity, the registered substance is not considered T.