ABSTRACT
In order to assess properly the environmental risks of a chemical it is necessary to have information which may, at least, enable an estimation of the approximate concentrations in the environment. This estimate is usually based on the predicted use and disposal patterns of the chemical, its physical-chemical properties and its environmental fate and the properties of the environment within which the chemical is to be used. This information on the chemical is required by national regulatory authorities for registration and notification procedures in which the authority receiving the information can evaluate the potential of the chemical to cause a hazard to man or the environment. These predictions are refined once relevant tests are performed to determine the environmental fate of the chemical.
