Cosmetic UV filters in the environment-state of the art in EU regulations, science and possible knowledge gaps.

Objective: The aim of this work was to review the principals of environmental hazard and risk assessment (ERA) of cosmetic UV filters registered under EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). Furthermore, effects as obtained from non-standardized testing methods and organisms from scientific literature were compared against the predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs) as derived based on standardized test methods for the various environmental compartments under REACH.

Methods: The REACH dossiers at the ECHA webpage were screened for available information related to basic physico-chemical data (i.