What Is Biocidal Product?

What is Biocidal? What Does Biocide Mean?

According to the definition on the website of the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate, “biocide” refers to a substance that kills a biological entity or a living organism. And “biocidal product” is the name given to products used to protect living organisms, the areas where living organisms live or items that come into contact with them, from microorganisms or organisms considered harmful.

In addition, the term "biocidal product" also refers to products that exhibit effectiveness against various organisms with the aim of preserving the structure or usage quality of products in various industrial sectors such as paint, plastic, paper, wood, metal processing, and textiles. Products with the capacity to render microorganisms ineffective and prevent their harm by acting as protectants, disinfectants, antibacterials, antifungals, and similar substances are referred to as "biocidal products”.

In this article, we will closely examine issues such as biocidal products, their structures, areas of use, and risks.

What is the Structure of Biocidal Products?

Biocidal Products acquire these properties with special chemical substances present in their formulations. The chemical substances found in the formulations of biocidal products that confer activity against microorganisms are referred to as "Active Substance“. While the active substance itself may be directly in the formulation of the biocidal product, chemical substances that can gain active substance properties when mixed with another product may also be present in the formulation of the biocidal products. Products that do not contain the active substance themselves but form the active substance when mixed with another product are referred to as "Precursors." Obtaining Biocidal Product with this kind of way is called "in situ generation".

Though the chemicals that are active substances can be used in many other fields, the reason for these chemicals' presence in Biocidal Product formulation is to neutralize the microorganisms and render them harmless. The efficiency mechanisms that render microorganisms harmless can be summarized in their simplest form as destroying, removing, and expelling microorganisms. Also, some Biocidal Products do not contain active substances in their formulations. These kinds of products are evaluated within the scope of "Biocidal Product" because of their usage purpose which is destroying harmful organisms like other biocidal products.

Biocidal Product Types

When seeking the answer to the question "What is biocidal," it is essential to also focus on where it is used and what types of products it encompasses. According to the Biocidal Products Regulation, biocidal products are examined under four main groups. These are disinfectants and general biocidal products; preservatives; biocidal products used in pest control; and other biocidal products. There are various product types covered by each of these major groups. The total number of these is twenty-three, and they include biocidal products used for different purposes.

Even though we may not be aware of it, we use many biocidal products in our daily lives. Biocidal content products are preferred, ranging from drinking water to food cleanliness and disinfectants. They are used to ensure hygiene, especially in public areas. It is not surprising considering the ability of biocidal products to kill harmful microorganisms. The reason for their use in food and drinking water is the need to ensure hygiene in the production equipment or the vehicles used for transportation.

Biocidal products undertake the task of not only protecting humans but also plants and animals. They serve the purpose of extending the shelf life of animal feed and pet food, similar to the role they play in the food consumed by humans. They prevent plants from being harmed by harmful pests; the protective sprays we use for this purpose contain biocidal ingredients. However, the application areas of biocidal products are not limited to these. To get more detailed information about biocidal product types and their usage areas, you can read our article titled “Biocidal Product Types in accordance with ‘Biocidal Products Regulation No.27449 (4. Duplicate)’”.

Usage Areas of Biocidal Products and the Risks They Bring

When discussing the usage areas of biocidal products above, we focused on the positive aspects in the examples provided. In this regard, we can list the general usage areas of biocidal products as follows:

• They help us maintain hygiene by being used as cleaning products in many areas.

• They also enable us to create a hygienic environment in livestock farming, which indirectly affects human health.

• They assist in the preservation of food and nutrients, extending their shelf life.

• Due to the use of pipes and other components in the production stage of drinking water, it can lose its hygiene. The cleanliness of such equipment is ensured with biocidal products.

• Biocidal products also provide protection of wood, fiber, leather, rubber, and polymerized materials.

• They protect plants from harmful microorganisms.

The critical thing in the use of biocidal products is ensuring their correct and proper use. Careless use of these products without taking the necessary precautions may pose some risks. But what are these risks?

Risks of Biocidal Products

• Effect on Human Health

The careless use or overuse of certain biocidal products can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, and even poisoning in individuals. For this reason, it is essential to use biocidal products in accordance with the instructions specified on the product label.

• Effect on the Environment

The disposal of biocidal product waste is crucial for environmental cleanliness. Biocidal products, like other chemicals, can contaminate soil and water. In addition to eliminating unwanted organisms, they can also harm other organisms in nature. This can be a factor that disrupts the balance of the ecosystem.

• Development of Resistance

Incorrect use of biocidal products may result in the desired effects not being achieved, and the targeted organisms may develop resistance against the biocidal products used.

• Pollution of the Used Area

Areas where biocidal products are irregularly used or where biocidal product leaks occur may be exposed to chemical pollution and can cause harm in the long term.

To avoid encountering all these negatives, it is essential to adhere to relevant regulations in the use of biocidal products, utilize necessary protective equipment, minimize contact with the products, and prefer licensed or permitted and secured products.

Things to Consider in the Choice of Biocidal Products

Biocidal products must be licensed and inspected according to the relevant regulations before being placed on the market. There is also a List of Authorised Biocidal Products determined by the Ministry. By examining the chemical components of the product and reviewing these lists, you can obtain more information about the safety of the product.

When purchasing biocidal products, it is essential to check the labels and packaging on them. Product packaging and labels contain information about the assurance of biocidal products. Here, you can access information on the intended purposes of the product, its usage instructions, license and permit numbers, and details about the microorganisms it is effective against. It is important to emphasize the significance of checking the license/permit number to determine whether the biocidal product is specifically approved by the Ministry of Health. The brand to which the biocidal product belongs is also noteworthy. Opting for reliable brands would be a more prudent decision.

What are the Obligations of Biocidal Product Manufacturers or Importers?

Companies engaged in the manufacturing, importing, or exporting of biocidal products must conduct their operations in accordance with relevant regulations, such as the Biocidal Products Regulation numbered 27449 (4th Repetition), to ensure the protection of human and environmental health. In this context, licensing of biocidal products holds great significance. The chemical components in the product content should be assessed, and appropriate labeling and instructions must be provided on the product packaging. Additionally, the potential risks for both individuals and the environment during product use should be assessed, and necessary precautions must be taken. Assessments should be ongoing throughout the period the product is on the market, and reporting should be maintained. This way, the potential harm of biocidal products can be minimized.

Conclusion

In this article, we have examined answers to questions such as what biocides are, their areas of use, and their benefits/risks. It is true that biocidal products are chemicals present in many aspects of our daily lives and have areas where they provide us with benefits. However, there are points to be mindful of when using biocidal products. Incorrect and irregular use of biocidal products can cause various harms to both the environment and human health. The biggest responsibility in this regard falls on the companies involved in the sale and distribution of biocidal products. Companies must comply with the relevant regulations and meet the requirements imposed by the Ministry.

If you are also operating in the field of biocidal products, you can avail yourself of our Biocidal Products Service to receive assistance regarding the obligations your company needs to fulfill.